Jack Wilshere set to make first Arsenal start for 16 months in EFL Cup clash

Back in action | Wenger watches on as Wilshere runs with Lacazette
David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
James Olley19 September 2017

Jack Wilshere expects to make his first Arsenal start for 16 months when they face Doncaster in the League Cup third round on Wednesday.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger will adopt his regular policy of fielding youngsters and fringe players in the competition.

The last match that Wilshere started was the 4-0 victory over Aston Villa on the final day of the 2015-16 season.

Wilshere was widely expected to start last Thursday’s Europa League opener against Cologne but the 25-year-old had to settle for a 22-minute substitute’s appearance.

Wilshere in action against Aston Villa, May 2016 Photo: Ian Kington/AFP/Getty Images
Ian Kington/AFP/Getty Images

Despite such a limited opportunity, Wilshere showed flashes of quality and he is hopeful of getting a better chance to showcase his skills at Emirates Stadium as he bids to salvage his Arsenal career.

Wilshere entered the final year of his contract after deciding to stay and fight for a first-team spot despite interest from number of clubs this summer.

His situation will be reviewed ahead of the January transfer window given he can negotiate with overseas clubs from New Year’s Day but, as yet, there has been no indication Wilshere will be offered fresh terms to stay.

Wenger is likely to also hand opportunities to Reiss Nelson and Ainsley Maitland-Niles but he could be without Danny Welbeck for up to a month following scans on a groin injury.

The club declined to comment on the severity of Welbeck’s injury this morning insisting he was still be assessed but there are fears he could be out until after England’s World Cup qualification double-header against Slovenia and Lithuania next month.

Mesut Ozil missed Sunday’s 0-0 draw at Chelsea with a knee problem and although not thought to be serious, the exact timescale of his absence is not yet known.