Arsenal vs Cologne: Jack Wilshere warned by Arsene Wenger to remain calm as he’s handed Europa League lifeline

ARSENE WENGER has told Jack Wilshere: Stay calm and you will carry on.

The Arsenal boss has thrown injury-prone midfielder Wilshere a lifeline by including him in the squad for tonight’s Europa League clash with Cologne.

6

6

It will be his first competitive game since breaking a leg in April playing for Bournemouth against Spurs. And this will be his first Gunners appearance for 13 months.

Wilshere, who is likely to be on the bench tonight,  was handed a red card for Arsenal’s Under-23s last month after reacting to a late tackle from Manchester City’s Matt Smith.

Wenger said: “There was always a huge pressure on him to come back as quickly as possible and to expect a lot.

“If he can combine the two, keep calm and focus on the job, he is on a good way. If he is injury-free, he will come back to his best.

“In training, he is getting stronger. He has been injured at the start of the season so he was a bit behind the others.

“Every game is an opportunity for him and this season is a good opportunity. I didn’t talk to him at all after the red card because I was not at the game and I could understand his reaction.

Latest Arsenal News

NO MES-ING

Mesut Ozil 'set to leave Arsenal next summer on free and WON'T sign new contract'

EUR NOT NEEDED

Mesut Ozil one of SEVEN Arsenal stars given day off as Arsene Wenger confirms he will rest key men against Cologne in the Europa League

put your feet up

Aaron Ramsey and Mesut Ozil rested for Arsenal's Europa League opening match against Cologne

'My story is not finished'

Olivier Giroud reveals he was close to leaving Arsenal, before a late change of heart

6

6

“He had been out so many times after suffering bad tackles and had just come back from a fracture.”

Arsenal’s previous appearance in this competition, when it was known as the Uefa Cup, was against Galatasaray in the 2000 final with the Turkish side winning 4-1 on penalties.

With one eye on Sunday’s trip to Chelsea, Wenger will rest Petr Cech, Laurent Koscielny, Alexandre Lacazette, Danny Welbeck, Granit Xhaka, Mesut Ozil and Aaron Ramsey.

CLICK HERE FOR THE MOST PROFITABLE TRANSFERS OF ALL TIME

6

6

EXCLUSIVE OFFER: BET £5 GET A FREE £10 BET

Most Read In Sport

TRAGEDY PROBED

Football star aged 26 dies after taking a shot as Roma star leads tributes

SLAP BAN

Martinez BANNED after little-known rule saw Villa star booked twice in same game

OUT FOR A WALKER

Kyle's wife Annie Kilner seen pushing pram after giving birth to son

IN THE DOCK

Man Utd star faces trial accused of driving dangerously before high-speed crash

Alexis Sanchez should make his first start of the season while Olivier Giroud will also be given the chance to score his 100th goal for Arsenal.

Giroud said: “It’s true that I was close to leaving the club but I wanted to stay as I thought the story was not over.”

 ARSENAL (likely): Ospina, Holding, Mertesacker, Monreal;  Bellerin, Elneny, Iwobi, Kolasinac;  Sanchez, Walcott, Giroud.