Jack Wilshere's Arsenal future depends on whether he is able stay fit.

The 25-year-old, whose contract expires next summer, impressed in the Carabao Cup win over Doncaster on Wednesday night.

But after a senior career with the Gunners littered with injuries, Wilshere’s prospects of a new contract rest on his ability to steer clear of the treatment room.

Asked about a new deal for the England midfielder, Arsene Wenger said: “That is down to the fact that he came remain fit or not.

“I think he’s an Arsenal man and an Arsenal player. He would certainly like to [stay], I don’t know.

Arsene Wenger with Jack Wilshere during the win over Doncaster (
Image:
Action Images via Reuters)
Wilshere is out of contract next summer (
Image:
Dan Mullan)

“We haven’t spoken about that because at the start of the season I thought we had to see how it evolves and see what kind of influence he can have in the squad throughout the season.”

Wenger’s position now is in stark contrast to last April, when he insisted Wilshere’s fitness have no bearing on whether the club offered him fresh terms.”

Wilshere in Carabao Cup action (
Image:
Action Plus)
Welbeck is set for a month out (
Image:
David Price)

Wenger has also revealed Danny Welbeck will return after the international break after injuring his groin against Chelsea last week.

Arsenal had feared the luckless England striker was set for yet another lengthy spell out. But Wenger added: “He will be back, his target is Watford.

“That means after the international break. He won’t be available for England and not for us before the break.”

Arsenal play West Brom on Monday night at the Emirates with Baggies midfielder Gareth Barry set to make his 633rd Premier League appearance. It means he will break the record set by Ryan Giggs.

Gareth Barry is still going strong (
Image:
Action Images via Reuters)

Wenger congratulated Barry on the achievement and revealed he tried to sign the ex-England man before his move from Aston Villa to Manchester City eight years ago.

He went on: “Its an outstanding achievement. He’s intelligent, determined, strong in the challenge. Good technically.

“I rated him highly. He was unlucky being in the period of Gerrard and Lampard. It’s an exceptional achievement.

“We were interested in him, yes, when he moved from Villa to City, but at the time City were the big investor, their finance was superior to ours.”

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