Jack Wilshere ‘will be out for a while’ but no bone break

Arsenal Wenger has admitted that he has concerns over Jack Wilshere’s injury, although X-rays after Saturday’s match indicated there was no bone break.

Wilshere picked up the injury to his ankle during the club’s defeat to Manchester United.

“I cannot give you any time schedule there because he will be out for a while and he has to see a specialist next week to see how long he will be out. We don’t know at the moment,” said Wenger at Tuesday afternoon’s press conference.

“He has a big ankle sprain and I don’t want to talk about it because I am not a specialist medically.

“The first news is they have told us that he will be out for the next few games. To find out for how long, we will need to see a specialist.”

Wilshere has featured in 16 of Aresnal’s 20 games so far this year, as well as making six appearances for the national team since early September.

Positive news

Wenger though believes the return of France international Laurent Koscielny will boost the Gunners' rearguard, which was brutally exposed by United on the break.

“He’s in the squad for tomorrow. It’s very good news because he was out for a while now and we are short in numbers defensively. It’s good to have his quality back,” said Wenger.

In Arsenal’s seven games in all competitions without the French defender they have won just three games, losing their last two fixtures to Swansea and Manchester United.

With Spanish left-back Nacho Monreal filling in at centre back they have conceded seven goals in the past three games.