Wilshere will benefit from rest, insists Arsenal boss Wenger

Arsene Wenger is convinced he made the right call in leaving Jack Wilshere out of Arsenal’s starting line-up for Saturday’s win at Fulham.

The 21-year-old midfielder was a second-half substitute as the Gunners ran out 1-0 winners at Craven Cottage, with the England international continuing his return to full fitness following a lay-off with an ankle injury.

And the Frenchman felt he was right to give the midfielder a rest, with Arsenal’s next game at home to Manchester United on Sunday.

“He was in a bit [of pain] after the game but I just felt we had to stop him because of inflammation last time and I just felt to give him three games in six days would be too much,” Wenger told Arsenal’s website.

“Now he has a break until next Sunday and that is different so he will be available. There is no basic ankle problem.

“I do not want to go into a vicious circle again when I play him, I play him, I play him and then suddenly… I think coming back after six weeks out, two games in a week was enough.”

Wenger, whose side are third in the table, added: “I don’t want the game in England to lose the commitment and combative side. But Jack has a game that is based on dribbling so he is more exposed to kicks than players who are just passing players. You don’t want him to lose that because that is his strength.”