Wilshere faces knee surgery

Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere is to undergo a procedure to correct a knee problem that has flared up during his rehabilitation.

Wilshere missed the entirety of the 2011/12 season due to an injury to his right ankle and will now face further treatment for an issue Arsenal describe as ‘long-standing’.

The ‘slight issue’ is with Wilshere’s patella tendon in his left knee, but is not expected to have a significant impact on his ability to return to training in time for next season.

A statement from Arsenal read: “His (Wilshere’s) ongoing rehabilitation has seen a long-standing slight issue with his patella tendon in his left knee flare up.

“As a result, Jack will travel to Sweden for a minor procedure on his left knee in the next few days. This procedure is not expected to significantly affect Jack’s comeback ahead of next season.”

Wilshere established himself as an integral part of Arsenal’s team during the 2010/11 season, making 49 appearances in all competitions.

His long spell on the sidelines stalled his progress, however, and ruled him out of the England squad for Euro 2012 in Poland and Ukraine.