Arsene Wenger has confirmed that Jack Wilshere is set to miss the England qualifiers for the World Cup due to ‘very, very’ minor surgery on his ankle. The 21 year-old midfielder is expected to take part in a full pre-season.

Don’t panic

The operation is not unexpected, being to remove a small pin from Wilshere’s right ankle, which he had major surgery on last season. His lack of playing time and sitting out six games during March was due to pain in his ankle from the pin, which can be expected in many patients.

It is manageable, and after the operation Wilshere should (fingers cross) have no more serious issues with his ankle, unless he injures it again. He’s been playing while not fully fit for the last few weeks, which is why he’s been substituted or only used from the bench.

It happens

After the news came out many were quick to blame Arsene Wenger and the Arsenal medical team, for either overplaying Wilshere or not treating him properly. Both accusations are wide of the mark. Wenger has admitted to playing him too much previously, and since has managed his game time, and will only use him ‘if needed’ in the last two games of the season.

The medical staff have little to do with Wilshere’s surgical procedures and cannot prevent the pin causing him pain, apart from giving him injections, which is not always a good idea. Fernando Torres was ruined after playing through injections.

So, don’t worry. Unless the operation goes horribly wrong, Wilshere should have a full pre-season and return fully fit (and hopefully with his position sorted out) for next season. Just in time to win the league.

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