Wilshere will be fine - Wenger

Wilshere was left out of the Gunners starting line-up for the goalless draw at Aston Villa and was an unused substitute, but boss Wenger insists it is only a minor problem and is happy with Wilshere's progress since his return to the side, ahead of the midweek clash at Everton.

When asked how the England international was progressing, Wenger said: "First, it's a relief that he's had no setback (since returning to action). He had a little bit of inflammation of scar tissue (in the ankle) but it's nothing. It's very minor."

He added: "The rest (against Villa) will help him get rid of it. Apart from that, he has done very well.

"He has not played for 17 months. People forget what that mean. Seventeen months in a career is massive. But I'm very happy with the way he is progressing."

Wenger remains convinced winger Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will develop into "a great player" after he looked below his best at Villa Park.

He said: "Alex has not played a lot recently. He lacks a bit of physical fitness. He tried at Villa and in patches he looked dangerous.

"He's learning his trade and he's a very talented young boy. I believe he will be a great player but at the moment he is learning his job. Basically, he's 19 years old and there will be ups and downs, of course, but I believe he will be a great player.

"You need patience with every young player or you don't bring them out (see their potential fulfilled).

"That's why it's so different in our job where you see the demands of people who want you to bring young players out but also they have no patience so it's a bit of a contradiction."

Source: PA

Source: PA