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Jack Wilshere to make Arsenal return in Europa League on Thursday for first time in more than year

England international last appeared in the red and white of the first-team 13 months ago, but Arsene Wenger is ready to give him another chance

JACK WILSHERE is set to be handed a Europa League lifeline by Arsene Wenger, according to reports.

The Gunners boss will rotate his squad for the opening game against Cologne and that could see Wilshere, 25, back in the fold.

 Jack Wilshere could make an appearance for the Arsenal first-team for the first time in 13 months against Cologne
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Jack Wilshere could make an appearance for the Arsenal first-team for the first time in 13 months against CologneCredit: Getty Images - Getty
 Jack Wilshere watched from the stands as Arsenal defeated Bournemouth 3-0 at the weekend
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Jack Wilshere watched from the stands as Arsenal defeated Bournemouth 3-0 at the weekendCredit: Rex Features

The Mirror are reporting that wholesale changes could be made to the starting line-up and squad for the European clashes.

And it would be Wilshere's first appearance in the red and white of Arsenal for 13 months if he gets the nod on Thursday.

The England international's future was up in the air all summer as he recovered from a leg-break that ended his loan spell with Bournemouth early last season.

But after deciding to stay at the Emirates and fight for his place, Wenger is ready to give him the opportunity to show his worth in cup competition.

Alexis Sanchez could also feature on Thursday after only coming on as a sub during the 3-0 win against Bournemouth due to a lack of fitness.

Theo Walcott and Olivier Giroud could also feature with Wenger prioritising the huge clash against Chelsea on Sunday.

 Jack Wilshere was on loan last season but had his spell cut short with a broken leg
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Jack Wilshere was on loan last season but had his spell cut short with a broken legCredit: Rex Features

It looks like the Gunners are taking a risky strategy by not fielding their strongest team for the visit of Cologne.

And keeper Petr Cech — who won the competition with Chelsea — says the Gunners must make a decision on if they take it seriously or not.

He said: “You make your decision.

 Alexis Sanchez could also start against Cologne after only coming on as a substitute against Bournemouth
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Alexis Sanchez could also start against Cologne after only coming on as a substitute against BournemouthCredit: Rex Features
 Petr Cech says Arsenal must decide whether they are taking the Europa League seriously or not
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Petr Cech says Arsenal must decide whether they are taking the Europa League seriously or notCredit: Rex Features

“At Chelsea, we were really disappointed to have been knocked of the group stage [of the Champions League] but we decided that for the first time and the last time, hopefully, we play in the Europa League so we want to win.

“So you decide what you want to do — either you take it seriously and you go to win it and you give yourself the chance to do it or you give yourself different priorities and see how it goes.”

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