How Big a Role Will Jack Wilshere Play for Arsenal When He Returns from Injury?

Jack Wilshere has recently made a return to light training with Arsenal. Within a matter of weeks, he could finally be ready to return to first-team action. That could prove timely: With Arsenal struggling to find balance in midfield, there is an opportunity there for him to make a considerable impact.

When Wilshere was available last season, he was predominantly used as a wide midfielder. He did seem to be developing an intriguing knack of cutting in from the right on to his preferred left foot, and Arsene Wenger took to using him on the flank relatively frequently.

However, it’s not his preferred role. Wilshere, understandably, sees himself as a central midfielder first and foremost. That’s where he began his career, and where he feels his passing and dribbling ability is best utilised.

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Fortunately for Wilshere, Arsenal are in need of someone with those attributes. In recent weeks, their midfield has failed to function as they would hope.

For the majority of 2015, the Gunners lined up with Santi Cazorla alongside Francis Coquelin. Now, both of that potent pair are sidelined with knee problems. It’s left Wenger deploying Aaron Ramsey alongside Mathieu Flamini, and while both individuals have acquitted themselves well, the chemistry isn’t quite right.

Wilshere could help. He is the player in the squad with the closest skill set to Cazorla. Like the Spaniard, he has the quick feet to enable him to dance through the most congested part of the pitch. He also has the passing range to enable him to launch counter-attacks from deep. 

Francis Coquelin has also stepped up his return, and he and Wilshere have a shared past. They were partners at academy level before Wilshere made his first-team breakthrough.

With Cazorla set to remain sidelined for the foreseeable future, there is now a chance for Coquelin and Wilshere to try to re-establish that understanding at senior level. That would in turn allow Ramsey to return to the right, and Arsenal to essentially replicate the midfield shape that brought them so much success last year.

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Of course, question marks remain over Wilshere’s ability to remain fit. His physical condition will be a huge factor in determining the sort of role he’s able to play upon his return. 

Per Sky Sports, Wenger insisted he was hopeful Wilshere could yet put his injury problems behind him. He said:

"

I am an optimist. I always think: 'Okay, it's true that he hasn't played many games in recent years'. I hope at some stage that will stop because he is young and I hope I'm right.

He is a special case because he is a special talent and he comes out of the club. And he is an England international and I hope his injuries will stop at some stage.

"

It seems the Gunners boss is determined to give Wilshere every chance to prove his worth. If Wenger really is intent on giving Wilshere the best chance of success, he should strongly consider entrusting him with a central-midfield berth.

In his preferred position, Wilshere may finally have the chance to fulfil his enormous potential.

James McNicholas is Bleacher Report's lead Arsenal correspondent and is following the club from a London base throughout 2015/16. Follow him on Twitter here.