Wilshere returns to training
Jack Wilshere has been sidelined for 14 months
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger admits it seemed like Jack Wilshere had spent "an eternity" on the sidelines after the England midfielder finally returned to training on Thursday.
Wilshere did not feature at all for the Gunners last season because of a niggling ankle problem which also ruled him out of contention for Euro 2012. However, the 20-year-old has stepped up his rehabilitation, joining up with the first-team squad training session ahead of the weekend's Barclays Premier League trip to Manchester City.
Speaking to the club's official website, www.arsenal.com, Wenger said: "We are so pleased that Jack is back in full training. It has been 14 months and that is a long time for someone at his age. It is an eternity, but it is great news."
Wenger added: "We have to give him a few training sessions to see how he copes and responds to it, that is the delicate, sensitive stage - to choose when to bring him in and out.
"We will have to handle that day-by-day."
Combative midfielder Emmanuel Frimpong is also closing in on a return, having been sidelined by a serious knee injury suffered while on loan at Wolves in February.
Wenger added: "We also have Emmanuel Frimpong who has returned to full training this week, which is great news as well.
"Emmanuel has also been out a long time, but is progressing well."
Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny is battling to be fit from an ankle problem which saw him miss the midweek Champions League win in Montpellier.
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Wilshere glides about the pitch like a young Liam Brady, quality player. Great news for the Gunners that he's on his way back after so long out. Like Fletcher returning to the United side, a real boost.
The question has been asked, 'but who will be dropped to accomodate him'. The days of being dropped in this context are longer over, the top teams and the top managers routinely rotate the first 11 from their squad of 25. Sir Alex has even started to rotate his two keepers because they are both top draw. Times are changing, and Jack is back. Best of luck to the lad.
Will be fit enough for the next england game too. Another good young blood. When one looks at the good young blood available for Roy, he has plenty of chances to disband the whole lot of the Rooney, Lampards, Downing etc. etc. and improve the team greatly.
I know, the FA still want theold has beens that never were. They cling to this notion that the fans want to see them. Lescott and Terry and JT make great subs. As would gerrard and Parker....
