Wilshere ready to return for Arsenal against Crystal Palace, confirms Wenger

Arsene Wenger has welcomed the return of Jack Wilshere, with the midfielder in line to return against Crystal Palace on Saturday after three months out through injury.

The 23-year-old has not played for the Gunners since damaging his ankle in the 2-1 defeat to Manchester United at the Emirates on November 22.

"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].

"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."

Wilshere is likely to be bench at Selhurst Park and may have to bide his time before regaining a regular starting spot.

Santi Cazorla, Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez all in impressive form, while Francis Coquelin has made the defensive midfield spot his own in recent weeks, and Wenger admits there can be no guarantees of selection for anyone.

"No matter who plays, you always worry first about the balance of the team, yes,” said the Frenchman.