Wilshere could be back for Monaco

Jack Wilshere has today given Arsenal something to smile about as the injury-stricken midfielder is said to be planning to return to playing ‘quicker than expected’, according to manager Arsene Wenger.

Wenger was quoted as saying the midfielder, who had ankle ligament surgery in November, will be returning to Arsenal’s playing squad at ‘the back end of February’. The original expected recovery time was 12 weeks.

It means that Wilshere might be able to return in time for Arsenal’s last-16 Champions League tie against Monaco on Feb 25. This, if true, will relinquish the rumours that the Englishman had suffered a setback in his injury recovery.

Wilshere’s return will bolster Wenger’s squad with the manager determined to add at least one defender before the January transfer window closes.