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Jack Wilshere has not played a competitive game since England’s 2-2 draw with Switzerland last June. (FILE)
Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere is hopeful of returning to action by the end of August although Arsene Wenger has ruled out a comeback until October.
The 20-year-old is approaching an entire year out of the game – he last played against New York Red Bulls in the Emirates Cup 12 months ago – and has not travelled to Malaysia for the club's tour of Asia.
The Gunners manager told English newspapers in Kuala Lumpur this week that Wilshere would not be ready for the start of the season.
But ahead of Arsenal’s final Far East tour game in Hong Kong, Wenger revealed he hopes Wilshere could be back in the autumn, according to The Sun.
Wenger said: “Hopefully, we will get Wilshere back playing for October.
“With Abou Diaby returning, it will be like signing two new players. This season, the squad will be strong and competitive.”
But the player is understood to be more optimistic about his return date, according to the Independent.
"Any player still in the gym in July is not on the pitch for August, that is for sure," Wenger said.
Wilshere's original injury was a stress fracture to his ankle which subsequently required surgery last year.
He has remained in the gym at Arsenal’s London Colney training ground and is set to resume light training next month.
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