Martin Keown: What must happen at Arsenal for Jack Wilshere to get fresh chance
The Arsenal legend explains what Jack Wilshere needs to happen if the Gunners star is going to resurrect his career at the north London club
Jack Wilshere needs Granit Xhaka or Aaron Ramsey to pick up an injury to get a fresh start in the Arsenal team, Martin Keown has claimed.
The England international is facing an uncertain future at the north London side after entering the final 12 months of his current contract.
Wilshere is thought to be open to signing a contract extension at Arsenal but the Gunners haven’t offered the midfielder a new deal.
The 25-year-old spent the 2016-17 season on loan at Bournemouth but Wilshere failed to secure a permanent move following a return of two assists in 25 appearances.
Wilshere made his first Arsenal appearance in over 12 months last week as a second-half substitute in a 3-1 win against Cologne to earn praise for his Europa League cameo.
The injury-prone midfielder made a rare start for Arsene Wenger’s team in a 1-0 victory over Doncaster Rovers in the League Cup third round at The Emirates on Wednesday night.
Former Arsenal defender Keown explained what needs to happen if Wilshere is going to attempt to resurrect his Gunners career.
“He needs an injury to happen to one of Arsenal’s first choice players – presumably Xhaka – to get a chance,” Keown told the Daily Mail.
“Jack Wilshere won’t get in ahead of Aaron Ramsey because he’s right-footed and you need that balance and movement.
“Every time Wilshere has been involved, he still has something available to offer. If Xhaka’s form was to dip, then he would have an opportunity and you would imagine he could take it.”
The Gunners will host West Brom in their next Premier League game at The Emirates on Monday night.
Arsenal signed Alexandre Lacazette and Sead Kolasinac in the summer transfer window.
