Gunners’ title hopes take a hit as Wilshere out
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WITH Jack Wilshere out for six weeks, few would bet on Arsenal to win its first Premier League title since 2004.
The loss of the England midfielder, who picked up a foot injury during a World Cup warm-up match on Wednesday, is a massive blow for Arsene Wenger’s team.
Having already lost forward Theo Walcott to a serious knee injury in January, Arsenal will be playing at least eight matches without Wilshere, who has been a key element of his team’s resurgence this season.
“It is a blow for him and for us,” Wenger said yesterday. “You can only be very down, especially in the first days.”
Arsenal, which is chasing a first piece of silverware since its 2005 FA Cup success, is still competing in three different competitions — the English Premier League, the FA Cup and the Champions League. But the Gunners have slowed in recent weeks, slipping to third place in the league standings.
The 22-year-old Wilshere was substituted in the 59th minute of the 1-0 win over Denmark at Wembley following a heavy tackle by Daniel Agger. After early scans by the FA, it was thought Wilshere’s injury was not serious. It turned out to be far worse.
Although the miniscule cracking of a bone in his left foot is unlikely to stop Wilshere from playing for England at the World Cup in Brazil, he will miss crucial games with his club.
Wilshere will sit out the FA Cup quarterfinal against Everton today, the second leg of the last 16 of the Champions League at Bayern Munich, a league derby against Tottenham Hotspur, a visit to leader Chelsea and league matches against Swansea City, Manchester City, Everton and West Ham United.
Wilshere could make his return on April 19 at Hull City, less than one month before England coach Roy Hodgson picks his squad for Brazil, and Wenger expects him to play at the World Cup.
“A fracture is a fracture, it is not muscular or a ligament. Once it is healed, you do not have to have any restriction in your preparation,” the French coach said.
Wenger added that Wilshere was given some time off from Arsenal to help him take his mind off his injury.
Regarded as one of the most promising midfielders of his generation, Wilshere has been hampered by injuries, including a right ankle fracture that ruled him out of the 2011-12 season. He has played 33 matches this season, scoring five times and adding five assists to his tally as Arsenal asserted itself as a title contender.
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