Jack Wilshere is now fit to rejoin the first squad for the game against Newcastle this weekend – a match that has taken on a far more serious look than it did a few weeks ago with the Geordies having won their last three games.
The former Gunner was first expected to be out for six weeks when he went into hospital for surgery at the start of September but he is now back a month and a half over schedule following an operation on his ankle.
The further delay was caused by inflammation around the injury but he is now fully recovered and has been in full training this week and will have completed a fortnight with the first team by the weekend.
He is in the same position now as Andy Carrroll was last weekend when the manager chose to leave him on the bench and it would come as a surprise if the midfielder got many minutes at Newcastle.
With Mark Noble available and Robert Snodgrass back from suspension, it remains to be seen whether the 26 year can force his way back.
I was surprised by the line up against City but I thought Antonio and Arnautovic did a decent job up top, wouldn’t be averse to the same again against Newcastle or Arnie and Carroll, Newcastle are fairly dogged defensively so it might be that Carroll gives us the x factor, play 4411 as we did.
I hope Wilshere and Carroll don’t get thrown straight back in. I’d like to see them eased back in over the course of several games, giving them time to rebuild their match fitness, sharpness and confidence.