Jack Wilshere Injury: Updates on Arsenal Star's Ankle and Return

Arsenal star Jack Wilshere is recovering from an ankle injury that will see him miss a series of matches for his club. The England man is expected to be out for three months.

Continue for updates.

Thursday, Dec. 11

Wenger Denies Wilshere Setback

Arsene Wenger denied reports that Jack Wilshere had suffered a setback rehabbing his injury, according to Arsenal's official website:

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That’s completely wrong. He’s doing very well. He’s on crutches so I don’t see how he can have a setback. It’s frustrating because it’s hard enough for Jack to be injured. He doesn’t need the negative news on top of that. It’s always frustrating to deny things that are not true.

"

Monday, Dec. 8

Wilshere Fears Rubbished by Arsenal

An Arsenal spokesman has moved to allay reports that Wilshere has suffered a setback in his recovery. The Sun had reported an adjusted five-month layoff, but Sky Sports provides the latest:

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An Arsenal spokesman told Sky Sports News HQ they are 'disappointed with reports. He's doing well after surgery and he is three months away from a return as originally stated. There's been no setback.'

"

The Sun (via 101 Great Goals) reported on Sunday that Wilshere could miss five months with the ankle injury sustained in the club's loss to Manchester United. Wilshere has already had surgery to repair the initial injury:

Friday, Nov. 28

Wilshere Slams Journalist for 'Brittle' Jibe

The England midfielder has taken offence to a recent article in the Daily Mirror, which claimed Wilshere has "brittle" ankles. He posted the following on his official Instagram:

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We all know the media like to talk nonsense, not all of them, but most! And most of it I can take...however after being shown an article in @DailyMirror saying I have 'Worlds most Brittle ankles'. @bigrichinnes clearly doesn't know what 'brittle' means, as this picture clearly shows' most people/players would have broken their ankle if someone tackled them like this. Luckily I have 'loose joints', not brittle' and only damaged ligaments. #Fool #GetTheFacts

"

Boss Arsene Wenger defended his man, and confirmed the expected three-month layoff for Wilshere, per ESPN's Kevin Palmer: 

Thursday, Nov. 27

Wilshere Out for 3 Months

Arsenal have confirmed Wilshere required surgery on his ankle, ruling him out for three months, per their official website:

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Jack Wilshere has had successful surgery on his left ankle and will be out for approximately three months.

[...] An assessment with a specialist confirmed the need for an operation and the 22-year-old had successful surgery to his ankle in London on Thursday afternoon.

Jack will now commence his injury rehabilitation programme with the Arsenal medical team.

"

Wilshere himself posted the following message and picture on Instagram:

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Ankle needed surgery in the end, went well thanks to the main man James Calder! Work hard for what you want because it won't come to you without a fight. You have to be strong and courageous and know that you can do anything you put your mind to. If somebody puts you down or criticizes you, just keep on believing in yourself and turn it into something positive.

"

Wednesday, Nov. 26

Surgery Fears Grow for Wilshere

England midfielder Wilshere is looking at a minimum eight weeks on the sidelines, and that timeline may be extended if he requires surgery, according to the Daily Mirror's John Cross:

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Jack Wilshere fears he may need surgery and could be out for three months after a devastating injury blow.

Arsenal and England star Wilshere saw a specialist on Tuesday, and faces 12 weeks on the sidelines if an ankle operation is required.

Even if he does not need to go under the knife, he is expected to be missing from action for eight weeks.

"

Tuesday, Nov. 25

Wilshere Out of Dortmund Match, Could Miss Up to Three Months

Arsene Wenger confirmed on Tuesday that Wilshere will not face Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday, and he hinted that the midfielder could miss several more matches, per Arsenal's official Twitter and The Times' Rory Smith:

Monday, Nov. 24

Arsene Wenger: 'Very Little Chance' Wilshere Plays on Wednesday

John Cross of Mirror provides a synopsis of Wenger discussing Wilshere's status:

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Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger says Wilshere 'has very little chance' of facing Dortmund on Wednesday while Wojciech Szczesny’s hip injury is not serious but is also likely to force him out of the game.

 

"

Saturday, Nov. 22

Wilshere Suffers Ankle Injury

Wilshere suffered yet another injury setback against Manchester United, this time to his ankle.

Rob Harris of The Associated Press indicated that Wilshere hurt his ankle, although he tried to play through before coming off, according to the Premier League's Twitter feed:

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Wilshere clutching left ankle in agony

— Rob Harris (@RobHarris) November 22, 2014"

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Wilshere back down again

— Rob Harris (@RobHarris) November 22, 2014"

Following the match, Arsene Wenger updated Wilshere's status, via James McNicholas of Bleacher Report:

Wilshere's season continues to stutter with consistent fitness problems, halting his ability to establish a consistent run of form. The English midfielder is one of many injury-prone players within Wenger's squad and will be disappointed to miss further action at a vital time for the north London side.

The likes of Mathieu Debuchy, Olivier Giroud, Aaron Ramsey and Mesut Ozil have missed significant playing time this season, leaving Wenger's options thin throughout a busy schedule.

Shaun Botterill/Getty Images

Injuries aren't new for Wilshere, however, as the 22-year-old's career continues to be blighted by frustrating problems. He is a player who needs plenty of game time to reach his peak and find the sharpness that excited so many onlookers when he broke onto the scene as a teenager.

Often accused of being a lightweight, Wilshere posted a tremendous performance during Arsenal's 2-2 draw with Manchester City in September. He scored and assisted but, more importantly, showcased technical quality in an advanced position.

Wilshere is clever—he'll outfox opponents with a sharp turn or quick burst of movement—and is at his best when passing and moving into attacking areas. Wenger doesn't always allow Wilshere to play with such freedom and may be better served to let the player take control with a more significant role in the opposition's half.

Shaun Botterill/Getty Images

Independent columnist and former player Paul Scholes, who famously suggested Wilshere hasn't improved since breaking onto the scene, recently admitted the youngster was "England's best player" during October's Euro 2016 qualifiers against San Marino and Estonia. He also performed admirably against Slovenia and Scotland in November, setting up Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's opener against the latter with a terrific lofted pass.

Wilshere dropped a little deeper in those matches and threaded some spectacular balls through to the Three Lions' attack, helping the team to a duo of important wins. He has the potential to be a match-winner more often than he is and needs to overcome his injury problems to take his game to the next level.

Arsenal players suffered 889 injuries from August 2002 to October of this year, according to PhysioRoom.com (via ESPN FC). Wilshere makes up a hefty chunk of the latest numbers and will dream of seeing a full season through without any problems in the future.