Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere is battle-hardened after 'tough times' with injury, insists Arsene Wenger: 'He knows now that life is not easy'

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Jack Wilshere's injury-laden career has equipped him to face tougher challenges ahead, believes Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger.

A career which once glittered with infinite promise after he burst onto the scene at the Emirates Stadium has often threatened to be derailed by a number of serious lay-offs.

But Wenger believes the midfielder's setbacks has faced on the injury table in recent seasons has opened his eyes to life's tribulations and enabled him to become a more mature man today.

Jack Wilshere's injury trouble has made him a more mature man today, says Arsene Wenger

The midfielder has been plagued by injuries during his time at the Emirates Stadium

But Wenger believes the England international is 'more patient' now and 'knows life is not easy'

'Jack deals with the pressure very well,' the manager told the club's website. 'He always had that from a very young age but I would say that overall he is more patient now. He got a few knocks and bruises that build a man and at the start it was all very easy for him.

'Jack has gone through some tough times so he has that density, that fitness now of a man who knows that life is not only easy.

'You have as well to go through some difficult periods and he has always had a football brain. Jack understands football very well, but I would say he's a much more mature man today. He had always common sense Jack, but he had an impulsive character.'

Wilshere has played 22 minutes of football this season — in the Europa League against Cologne

The Frenchamn thinks the Carabao Cup clash against Doncaster will be perfect for Wilshere

Arsenal's start to this campaign has failed to ignite — stalling in the Premier League and lying in 12th place.

But Wenger hopes the Carabao Cup clash against Doncaster on Wednesday night can be the catalyst for better things to come — not only in terms of gathering momentum but gaining crucial minutes for his 25-year-old midfield star. 

'Jack has been consistent in training,' he added. 'If you ask me is he back to his full, 100 per cent potential, I would say no, but he's not far away. The rest now can only be gained by competition.

'That's why I believe that these kind of games are very important for Jack at the moment. He is focused, he is working hard and he is absolutely determined to get his place back in the team. There is a big fight there and that's what we want.'

The Gunners welcome the League One outfit to the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday in the third round of the Carabao Cup. 

Gunners welcome the League One outfit to the Emirates n the third round of the Carabao Cup