Jack Wilshere played an hour of an U-21 match today, signalling the next step in his return to first team action. Also Frimpong played 70mins of this match too and further enhanced his chances of returning to the first team. With Diaby out for a few weeks, this is good timing for both of these players and if they can hit the ground running when they return to the starting line up, then it should be a pretty seamless transition for the team too.
Its going to take time for them to get back. Both but particularly Jack havent played for a long long time and the report says they were lacking sharpness which is obvious really. I will be as happy as anyone when they are back, but dont expect anything spectacular this season. I doubt they will be back to anything like the form they had before for at least a year. Frimpong has it slightly easier to come back as he is not as good technically so he hasnt got as much ground to make up as Jack to get back to that level.
[video=youtube;U6TOUj5MLvo]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6TOUj5MLvo&feature=player_embedded[/video] First pass is classic Jack. Also, he looks a lot stockier, must be all that time spent in the gym.
He does look very rusty in that video. It's to be expected though. I think he's playing for the under 21's again next monday vs Reading. Unless England do what they normally do, and call him up to the squad before he's even fully recovered.
Great news, although not expecting much from him this season, bit too early for him methinks, although a short loan spell (not sure if thats allowed) to get some fitness back could be helpful, but we'll just have to trust Wenger on this. Think diaby's spot will be taken by Ramsey though, I still see him as a Gerrard type player so he could make that box2box role that diaby plays his own, he's certainly got the commitment, just not the consistency yet.
Let's be honest, Wilshere as rusty as he is at the moment, will still do a job for that **** England midfield and probably out perform the regulars. I thought England were so bad against Ukraine. Getting bossed at their own ground.
Well to be honest England have lacked a real playmaker since Paul Scholes retired. (and even then they played him on the LEFT of midfield!) Gerrard and Lampard are both just AM'S without any real playmaking ability. Gerrard, Parker, Lampard, Barry, Milner all good in their individual roles but none are particularly technical in style. Its no wonder England have struggled to retain possession in recent years. England desperately need Wilshere because when you look at the TOP international (and club) sides they all have a dedicated playmaker in the team. Spain - Xavi/Iniesta Germany -Ozil/Goetze Italy - Pirlo France - Gourcuff/Cabaye Brazil - Oscar/Kaka Croatia - Modric
I agree, and thats why i'm worried they will try and recall him now, after he's only played an hour of reserve football.
If he does get called up it could be a good thing for Arsenal. He might get some practise at top level football and if he doesnt get injured surely that must be good?
He just doesn't look ready for 1st team football yet. The video shows he's still very rusty, and whilst he'd still be better than Cleverly, it's not worth the risk of him getting injured again. Roy is normally sensible, i hope he keeps to that, for our sake.