Arsenal’s Jack Wilshere plays down injury concerns

Jack Wilshere expects to be available for Arsenal’s trip to Crystal Palace, despite suffering an ankle problem in Tuesday’s Champions League defeat by Borussia Dortmund.

The midfielder was substituted midway through the second half at Emirates Stadium after landing awkwardly before the break in the 2-1 loss to Jurgen Klopp’s men.

Wilshere was pictured with an ice-pack around his ankle while sat on the bench later in the game, sparking fears that the 21-year-old could have suffered a serious injury.

But the England international moved to play down concerns over his fitness and expects to be ready for Saturday lunchtime’s trip across London to Selhurst Park.

“I jarred it when I was going through [on goal],” Wilshere said. “My ankle stopped and my body went over it and I jarred it a little bit.

“For five or 10 minutes it was painful, then I ran it off, but it made sense to put ice on it. I’ve done that before, even before I had surgery. It is just one of those things.

“Obviously I will have treatment because it is still a bit swollen, but I should be all right for the weekend.”