Wilshere returns, Wenger to focus on balance
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has welcomed the return of England midfielder Jack Wilshere from three months out with an ankle injury, but warned the "balance of the team" must always come first.
The 23-year-old has not played since needing an operation after hobbling off in the defeat to Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium on 22 November. Wilshere, though, has come through his rehabilitation quicker than expected, and is expected to be involved again at Crystal Palace on Saturday afternoon.
Wenger has praised the way the player has dedicated himself to a speedy recovery. It was not so long ago the dynamic midfielder would have been a certain starter in the Arsenal XI. However, with the likes of Santi Cazorla, Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez all in impressive form as Francis Coquelin shields the defence, Wenger accepts there can be no guarantees of selection for anyone.
"Jack is a bit ahead of schedule and has worked hard with no big problems, so it's good to have him back," said Wenger. "It is always difficult to come back straightaway. What is good is that [he is] already back (earlier than expected). That injury was on the left ankle. He had all his problems on the right ankle. It is a straightforward injury - once it's healed, there's no problem." Wenger, though, added: "No matter who plays, you always worry first about the balance of the team, yes."
Arsenal can expect a stern test of their top-four credentials at Selhurst Park against a side which is now well organised and hard to break down under new manager Alan Pardew. Wenger said: "They have found confidence again and they made positive results and that is what it is about when you are a manager. We always expect a passionate afternoon there."
No matter who plays, you always worry first about the balance of the team.Arsene Wenger on not disrupting Arsenal's balance to include Jack Wilshere
Pardew has hailed midfielder Cazorla as Arsenal's stand-out player. The 30-year-old Spaniard has been linked with a transfer to Atletico Madrid, but Wenger insists the diminutive midfielder remains very much integral to Arsenal's future plans. "Until now he has been maybe the most consistent, since he has moved centrally his influence on the team has been bigger as well," Wenger said.
"He has extended his contract last year. I think he has still two years to go. You know our policy at the club, so I don't think there's anything special to worry about there. The suggestion (of a transfer bid) is only a suggestion. We have never been approached by anybody about him."
Wenger confirmed former Arsenal forward Thierry Henry had been back at the club this week working with the Academy as part of his first steps into a coaching career. "It is good for our young players to be coached by him, a legend of the club," said Wenger.
Asked if the French FIFA World Cup™ winner could one-day replace him as Arsenal manager, Wenger replied: "That would not be my problem, it would be a problem of the board to make that decision. Yes of course (he could be a future Arsenal manager). I have said that many times, but I have had many, many players who can do this job."