Arsenal star Jack Wilshere has fallen down the pecking order
Wilshere made his first Gunners start in over 16 months last night as Arsene Wenger's men narrowly avoided a huge upset with a 1-0 Carabao Cup win over League One Doncaster Rovers.
But the 25-year-old is yet to take to the field in the Premier League this season, and former defender Keown believes the current left-footed, right-footed pairing of Granit Xhaka and Wales international Ramsey enables Wenger's team to strike the right balance.
However, Arsenal have miserably under-performed so far this season as they sit 12th in the league table.
Having picked up only seven points from a possible 15, pressure is rising on boss Wenger to quickly find an upturn in form if they are to keep tabs on the top four.
And Keown is backing Wilshere to be ready to take advantage of any opportunity if the Gunners boss decides to shake things up.
"Jack Wilshere won’t get in ahead of Aaron Ramsey because he’s right-footed and you need that balance and movement," Keown wrote in his Daily Mail column. "He needs an injury to happen to one of Arsenal’s first choice players - presumably Xhaka - to get a chance.
Jack Wilshere won’t get in ahead of Aaron Ramsey because he’s right-footed and you need that balance and movement
Arsenal legend Martin Keown
"Every time Wilshere has been involved, he still has something available to offer. If Xhaka’s form was to dip, then he would have an opportunity and you would imagine he could take it.
"He needs to be available every week. I think it’s good news for Arsene Wenger.
"Wenger might need to pick him for three over a week. Jack needs to be ready for that. Let’s see, but I think Wenger will be happy to have him available and still at the club. It might just be cameo appearances for now."
If Wilshere has not established himself within the Arsenal team by January then another loan spell could well be on the cards
The England international spent last season on loan at Bournemouth, and Keown thinks it would not be the worse scenario for the midfielder to look elsewhere to find regular game time.
"I can’t remember him playing 90 minutes recently," Keown added. "Bournemouth was a good opportunity for Jack. They only played one game a week.
"Jack himself can assess the situation in January. If he’s not happy, Wenger will let him leave on loan - he’s shown that before."
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