Wenger stands firm on Wilshere injury

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has revealed that Jack Wilshere will not play for England if he misses Saturday’s friendly against Benfica.

Wilshere, 19, limped off with an ankle injury after just six minutes in his side’s 1-1 Emirates Cup draw with the New York Red Bulls on Sunday.

That has put him in doubt for Arsenal’s trip to Lisbon for their final pre-season friendly, and Wenger says if he misses that, he will not release him for England’s friendly with the Netherlands at Wembley on Wednesday week.

“If he’s out next week, he will not play in Benfica, so he will certainly not play for the England game,” Wenger said.

“He’s a quick healer usually, and a tough boy, so I hope he’ll be quicker than the medical prediction.”

Wenger also dismissed fears that the midfielder had torn any ligaments in his ankle.

After the match, Wilshere encouraged Valencia midfielder Juan Mata to sign with the north London outfit.

Mata, 23, has been linked with a switch to the Emirates Stadium.

“He is a top quality player, we’ve seen that in the Under-21s and in the Spanish league last season,” Wilshere said.

“I think the way Arsenal play would suit his game.”