Wilshere discusses injury lay-off, Cech and title charge

Despite Arsenal’s poor form (no goals in their previous three league matches, dropping nine out of a potential 12 points), midfielder Jack Wilshere, as reported by the club’s official website, claimed that he remains optimistic about the team’s title hopes.

We’ve had a strong season and we’re in a position this year where we can really go for it.

In the past we’ve struggled around Christmas and before we’ve given ourselves no chance really, but this year we’re [close to the top] with important players coming back. Hopefully they can help us.

Wilshere went on to say that the addition of Petr Cech, the maturation of some of the clubs younger, British talent, the return of key players and overall team cohesion has made this campaign different from recent ones.

We’ve added a world-class goalkeeper and he’s been massive for us with his experience. Apart from that, the team’s the same and I think a big part of [us challenging] is because we’ve been together for a few years and the younger British players have started to mature a bit and that’s really helped.

The England international then discussed his frustration in dealing with yet another injury. The 24-year old midfielder has missed the last six months with a hairline fracture to his left fibula.

[My recovery is] going well.

I’m back on the pitch and I’m just trying to build my fitness up because everyone knows how tough it is to play in the Premier League. I’m working on it and I’m slowly getting there.

Sometimes it’s been difficult to stay positive, especially after the injuries that I’ve had which have been frustrating, but as the injury goes, you get closer to full fitness and you see the light at the end of the tunnel, then you start to think about coming back and getting involved in the team.

Despite Wilshere’s injury issues, the Gunners have had an impressive season, dominating the early proceedings, however, recently have tailed off and find themselves sat fourth in the Premier League.

The Gunners are, however, just five points off top spot with 14 games remaining.