Arsenala s Jack Wilshere says that he is ready to return to the first team, after completing a full game for the Under-21s.
Wilshere, along with Mikel Arteat and Abou Diaby, appeared for the U-21s in a bid to prove their fitness and gain some match time in a 4-1 win against Stoke City.
Wilshere said, a You can train as much as you like but you cana t get that match fitness unless you play.
a In the Premier League you know how quick it is so you have to get back to that speed. I feel like Ia m ready to play some part. When youa re injured you look at your comeback date and the games around that time.
a The one that stands out is the FA Cup semi-final but even before that wea ve got big games and wea ve got to go to Man United as well so therea s a chance to play this season.a
However, the way Arsenal are playing presently, it is difficult to see where Wilshere would fit in the starting 11. Unless he is willing to play in the wider roles, the central midfield seems to be a place that is pretty much rock solid right now and there appears to be no way in for him. Francis Coquelin is undroppable at the moment, and he is being partnered increasingly by Santi Cazorla in central midfield. Ozil is being favoured in the no. 10 role while Alexis Sanchez and Olivier Giroud are surefire starters in the attack for Arsenal. The only possibility for him to make an appearance would be in a similar role to what Aaron Ramsey played in the win over Liverpool.
But it is difficult to see him playing in a wide role, having almost always played centrally throughout his career with the club and for country. Unless there are some injuries in the team, Wilshere may be relegated to substitute roles, which also look difficult to come by, considering the strength of the squad.
Arsenal fans would certainly be happy with the situation that they suddenly find themselves in, where a player of the quality of Jack Wilshere is finding it hard to get a start in the team. After seeing years of mediocre talent being deployed in crucial positions, this is definitely a welcome relief for the fans, and they will be hoping that Wenger builds on this strength next season to have a more serious shot at the title.
