Jack Wilshere is facing an indefinite spell on the sidelines because of an ankle injury that Arsenal fear could develop into a stress fracture.

Arsene Wenger already believed the 19-year-old England midfielder would be out for two or three weeks because of a problem that arose with his right ankle at the end of last season.

But Wilshere’s eagerness to get back for what is a critical time for his club has only made the situation worse, and Wenger is worried he will be out for even longer.

Walking gingerly: Wilshere limps off in the pre-season game against New York Red Bulls

He will definitely miss England’s European Championship qualifiers against Bulgaria and Wales next month.

Wenger said: ‘It’s a hotspot on the bone of the ankle and if you continue to play it can lead to a stress fracture. So we had to stop him.

‘He felt the first sign in the second half of the game against Switzerland in June. After that, during the holidays, it was all right and then his pain increased when we were on tour in Asia.

‘We had two good test days on Friday and Saturday. Monday morning, we had a test with the squad and he felt it again.

‘There is no chance he will be fit for England. He is in a boot now.’

It is a dreadful setback for Arsenal, and Wenger took the opportunity to make a point to those who criticised Wilshere for withdrawing from the European Under 21 Championship in the summer.

However, the manager did admit the teenager probably played too much football last season.