Arsene Wenger says he will not be changing Jack Wilshere’s style of play to help combat his ongoing problems with injuries claiming his desire to win the ball is what moulds him as a player.
The 22-year-old damaged his ankle ligaments after a sliding tackle from defender Paddy McNair in Arsenal’s 2-1 loss to Manchester United on Saturday and could be out for an extended period if the results don’t go his way.
The Gunners struggled to find a way through the makeshift United defence with Wilshere especially guilty of wasting a gilt-edged chance when one on one with David De Gea.
The England international was at the heart beat of most attacks and it was his determination to thread the ball through into the United box that resulted in the impact injury – something that continually happens to the dynamic midfielder.
Despite the repeated troubles, Wenger believes he cannot attempt to restrain Wilshere otherwise you lose the hunger and desire that makes the passionate Wilshere.
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The Gunners boss told reporters ahead of tonight’s Champions League showdown with Borussia Dortmund:
You see in the big games he has the personality. It is more about his game, it shows you he is not scared to play and is ready to want to get the ball always.
It is because he doesn’t want to lose the ball, he is ready to put his body in. You cannot take that out, otherwise he will not be Jack Wilshere anymore.
Certainly some good points there and the reality is Wilshere won’t change. He will continue to pick up these types of injuries. The Englishman is quick and agile which always makes you more susceptible to rash, late challenges. But unlike Lionel Messi, Wilshere looks to ride challenges and go through a player rather than skip around or pull out.
The Frenchman also attempted to lessen worries over possible surgery for the injury plagued midfielder, but his quotes of ‘I hope’ barely fills anyone with much confidence.
Wenger added:
It does not look good, but the tackle caught him from the side just when he had moved the ball a bit forwards too much then, when he dived to make the pass, McNair came in to make the tackle and took him from the back and the side. When you see the picture, it is very bad.
There is no bone damage, we knew that straight away after the game, but there is ligament damage.
It is just the extension of how much it is, which we should know Tuesday or Wednesday (of next week). I hope it will not be surgery, just in a (protective) boot, but it will be a few weeks.
It is a big blow for Wilshere who was starting to find his feet again. After two promising performances with England in a deeper role it was hoped he could translate his form to club level. Although he missed several opportunities on Saturday he was one of our better midfielders.
Maybe he was better off seeing red by Mike Dean, isn’t that ironic?
Get well soon Jack (sick of saying that).
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