Jack Wilshere is fit again for Arsenal but Arsene Wenger warns the England midfield star he is not guaranteed a starting spot

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Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has welcomed the return of England midfielder Jack Wilshere from three months out with an ankle injury, but warned the 'balance of the team' must always come first.

The 23-year-old has not played since needing an operation after hobbling off in the defeat to Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium on November 22.

Wilshere, though, has come through his rehabilitation quicker than expected, and is expected to be involved again at Crystal Palace on Saturday afternoon.

Jack Wilshere is back in training and could feature for Arsenal in this Saturday's trip to Crystal Palace

Wilshere posted this image on Instagram with the caption: 'Think it's fair to say I'm happy to be back'

The 23-year-old midfielder has not played for the Gunners since injuring his ankle last November 

Wilshere's return is a boost for Arsene Wenger, but the Arsenal boss insists he is not guaranteed his place

Wenger has praised the way the player has dedicated himself to a speedy recovery, during which he made some unwanted headlines off the pitch after being photographed holding a shisha pipe at a nightclub.

It was not so long ago the dynamic midfielder would have been a certain starter in the Arsenal XI.

However, with the likes of Santi Cazorla, Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez all in impressive form as Francis Coquelin shields the defence, Wenger accepts there can be no guarantees of selection for anyone.

'Jack is a bit ahead of schedule and has worked hard with no big problems, so it's good to have him back,' said Wenger.

'It is always difficult to come back straightaway. What is good is that [he is] already back (earlier than expected).

Wilshere is back earlier than expected, despite questions about his professionalism during the injury break

The impressive performances of the likes of Francis Coquelin (right) have left questions over Wilshere's place

'That injury was on the left ankle. He had all his problems on the right ankle.

'It is a straightforward injury - once it's healed, there's no problem.'

Wenger, though, added: 'No matter who plays, you always worry first about the balance of the team, yes.'

The Arsenal manager hopes Wilshere can put the negative headlines behind him.

'I don't know how everybody is but I think every professional footballer has to control his life and dedicate it to the game,' Wenger said.

Arsenal can expect a stern test of their top-four credentials at Selhurst Park against a side which is now well organised and hard to break down under new manager Alan Pardew.

Alexis Sanchez watches on during Arsenal's training session on Friday morning

Alex Oxlade-Chgamberlain and Danny Welbeck get close (left) while Sanchez leaps (right)

Oxladde-Chamberlain sets off for a sprint as his training session intensifies

Chile star Sanchez looks to be having fun as he sprints with arms outstretched 

Welbeck nicks the ball from Mesut Ozil's feet during a competitive training match 

Wenger said: 'They have found confidence again and they made positive results and that is what it is about when you are a manager.

'We always expect a passionate afternoon there.'

Pardew has hailed midfielder Cazorla as Arsenal's stand-out player.

The 30-year-old Spaniard has been linked with a transfer to Atletico Madrid, but Wenger insists the diminutive midfielder remains very much integral to Arsenal's future plans. 

The England midfielder injured his left ankle against Manchester United, and has been out for three months

Arsene Wenger praised the impact Alan Pardew (above) has had at Crystal Palace since taking over

Pardew has praised Santi Cazorla, the Arsenal midfielder who has been in excellent form recently

'Until now he has been maybe the most consistent, since he has moved centrally his influence on the team has been bigger as well,' Wenger said.

'He has extended his contract last year. I think he has still two years to go.

'You know our policy at the club, so I don't think there's anything special to worry about there.

'The suggestion (of a transfer bid) is only a suggestion. We have never been approached by anybody about him.' 

Theirry Henry, who recently began coaching with the Arsenal under-16s, is a potential future manager

Henry is currently splitting his time between coaching badges and a broadcasting career with Sky Sports

Wenger confirmed former Arsenal forward Thierry Henry had been back at the club this week working with the Academy as part of his first steps into a coaching career.

'It is good for our young players to be coached by him, a legend of the club,' said Wenger.

Asked if the French World Cup winner could one-day replace him as Arsenal manager, Wenger replied: 'That would not be my problem, it would be a problem of the board to make that decision.

'Yes of course (he could be a future Arsenal manager). I have said that many times, but I have had many, many players who can do this job.' 

FA Cup holders Arsenal have been drawn away to Manchester United in the quarter-finals, with the tie to be broadcast on Monday March 9, kicking off at 7:45pm.

Wenger said: 'It is certainly not the most prestigious timing for people who want to watch on television.

'Maybe it is more suited maybe for a Sunday game, but television has made that choice. We will adapt and have no problem with it.

'We just want to win, and play when we are told to play. What I want is to go to Wembley, no matter who we play.'