Jack Wilshere lasted an hour of Arsenal’s Carabao Cup match with Chelsea on Wednesday night.
The England midfielder had put together a strong run of games in recent weeks, but appeared to hurt his ankle as he attempted to block a Danny Drinkwater cross in the second half. After receiving treatment from Arsenal’s medical staff, he attempted to return to the game only to be replaced by Mohamed Elneny shortly afterwards.
The sight of Wilshere hobbling off will be an unwelcome one for Arsenal fans. The 26-year-old has suffered more than his fair share of injury trouble during his career so far.
Although further tests will be done during this week to assess the extent of the damage, Arsene Wenger gave a relatively positive update after the game, although stopped short of putting any timescale on his return.
“He has an ankle sprain and the first look at it was not too bad, but of course for Sunday I think he will be short,” said Wenger, whose touchline ban had seen him watch the game from the Stamford Bridge stands.
“I don’t know how long he will be out. It is a shame to lose him when he is such good form and it was by blocking the shot that turned his ankle.
“It’s his good ankle so I am quite positive. It’s a ligament [problem].”
