Long-term injury sidelines Wilshere

Arsenal have been hit with the news that midfielder Jack Wilshere will be sidelined until November.

The 19-year-old picked up an ankle injury against the New York Red Bulls in July.

It was hoped he would only be out for a few days, but Wilshere revealed on Twitter, he’s likely to be out for up to three months.

“I can confirm I will be out for around 2-3 months! I am working hard in the gym to stay fit and I am gutted but I will be back stronger,” he wrote

The midfielder is wearing a surgical boot as he looks to recover from the injury, but is now not expected to resume light training until October.

The news is a big blow to Arsene Wenger after losing Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri in the transfer window.

“Jack’s a very important player for us,” Arsenal forward Theo Walcott said.

“It’s a shame he’s had this ankle problem.”

“He’s a bright lad and he’ll be back as soon as he can.”

“Fingers crossed it will be a bit sooner than that and he’ll just have to get back fit as quick as possible. We’re going to miss him but we’re professional enough to get on with it.”

Arsenal do have cover for Wilshere, after Wenger sealed late moves for Everton’s Mikel Arteta and Chelsea’s Yossi Benayoun.

The midfielder will miss some vital games in the Champions League and Premier League for Arsenal, and England’s final Euro 2012 qualifier in Montenegro.