Break down: Wilshere caused further damage to his ankle on England duty

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, who admits he forced the player through too many games last season, tried to get him ready to return for the second leg of a Champions League play-off against Udinese last month but he suffered a setback in training.

Wilshere was told by a specialist last week that surgery is not necessary at this point but the ankle must be given the time it needs to heal fully.

Another attempt to rush back too soon could force him into an operation that would mean another five months out and threaten hi s chances of appearing for England in the Euro 2012 finals next summer.

Wilshere said: 'It's massively frustrating, even more frustrating as I had a successful season and felt I could really push on. I've had a bit of a setback but I'm still feeling good about the season and hopefully I'll be back as soon as possible.

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