Shere we go for Gunners
EUROPA LEAGUE Jack can show his Wil power
ARSENE WENGER reckons Jack Wilshere is on his way back to his best after a nightmare injury lay-off.
Wenger will ring the changes for tonight’s Europa League opener with Cologne and Wilshere, 25, is likely to get his first appearance at the Emirates in 19 months from the bench.
Seven big names – Petr Cech, Laurent Koscielny, Alexandre Lacazette, Danny Welbeck, Granit Xhaka, Mesut Ozil and Aaron Ramsey – will be rested as Wenger prioritises Sunday’s trip to Chelsea.
But it does give Wilshere a chance to prove his fitness after suffering a broken leg on loan at Bournemouth last season.
The midfielder’s career high point is still his brilliant display against Barcelona in the Champions League in 2011 – and Wenger claims he can see signs of his best form in training.
Wenger said: “You have certainly seen the video of him when we played against Barcelona – his game is about that.
“He needs a little burst to get away from people because he can move the game forward. You need your legs to get you out of pressure and that will come back – it is coming back in training.
“He is very hungry and sharp. He is not completely at his best but he is getting there. Jack enjoys being back and competing for his place and what I have seen in training is positive.”