TheSportsCampus

Arsene Wenger has finally given a tentative date for Jack Wilshere's return to the Arsenal squad, suggesting that the very earliest that the Gunners could have the player available is in early October.

Wilshere, who sustained his ankle injury during Arsenal's pre-season tour in the US last year, has suffered recurrences of the problem a couple of times thereafter, which has pushed back his return date considerably.

Wenger was not keen on announcing an exact date for the 20-year old's return, but has now revealed that the starlet could return to the first-team fold in the Autumn.

"Hopefully, we will get Wilshere back playing for October," Wenger said. "With Abou Diaby returning, it will be like signing two new players. This season, the squad will be strong and competitive."

Wilshere is currently doing some gym work at Arsenal's London Colney training ground, and is expected to begin light training next month.

However, it does put question marks over the depth of the Gunners' central midfield for the start of their Premier League campaign, with Tomas Rosicky injured as well, and the perma-crocked Abou Diaby an ever-prevalent injury worry. With Aaron Ramsey also set to miss the start of the season due to his commitments with the Great Britain Olympic, Arsenal could once again be forced into using young Francis Coquelin in key games at the start of the season.