It feels ironic that a spate of injuries has Arsenal fans wishing they could recall Jack Wilshere.
The England international has barely played for the club over the last two seasons, and was loaned out to Bournemouth in August.
But injuries to Santi Cazorla and Francis Coquelin and Mohamed Elneny’s involvement in the Africa Cup of Nations, coupled with Wilshere rediscovering his form and fitness on the South Coast, means some supporters are left wishing they could bring back the midfielder.
No recall on Wilshere loan was a silly move.
— Sam (@samuelJayC) January 3, 2017
With Coquelin injured Arsenal have two midfielders available. No Wilshere recall clause. Cazorla out until March.
— James Benge (@jamesbenge) January 3, 2017
What I don't understand is this: Wenger always knew Elneny was off to AFCON. So why was there no recall option included in Wilshere's loan?
— curt (@Curt_goff) January 4, 2017
Arsène Wenger spoke of the midfield situation at a press conference this week, admitting he could do with Wilshere at the moment but maintaining it was the right decision to let him leave for a season.
‘Yes, I could use him now…but if he had not played until now, he would not be ready to play now,” Wenger said.
“And still today I think it was the right decision for him to go to Bournemouth.”
Arsenal will take on Preston North End in the third round of the FA Cup, with Granit Xhaka, Aaron Ramsey and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in contention to start in the middle.