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Jack Wilshere sent off in Arsenal Under-23 match to cast further doubt over his future
The latest stage of Jack Wilshere's comeback ended in ignominy when he was sent off for headbutting an opponent in reaction to a late challenge.
Wilshere was playing in Arsenal Under-23s' 4-3 victory over Manchester City Under-23s at the Emirates, and had already notched up an assist before the red mist descended.
Understandably given his injury history, the England international was angered by Matthew Smith barging him over with the ball long gone. Wilshere got to his feet and pushed in Smith in the chest, as well as leaning his head towards Smith's.
City youngster Tyreke Wilson was also sent-off for his part in the ensuing altercation involving players from both sides.
Wilshere has not played first-team football since sustaining a hairline fracture to his leg while on loan at Bournemouth last season, and could find minutes limited if handed a suspension.
With little more than a week remaining in the transfer window, Wilshere's Arsenal future is far from certain with Arsene Wenger sending out a series of mixed messages.
The Arsenal manager said in July that he felt Wilshere would stay at the Emirates this season, but was more ambiguous when discussing the subject earlier this month.
“That decision is not completely made,” said Wenger. “I want him to have a chance to play somewhere as well. We have to decide that a bit later. I wanted first him to come back, he is coming out of a fracture. It is the first week he is back in full training and we have to sit down together and see where we go from there.”
Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Reiss Nelson, two players officially confirmed in the first team squad this season, also started with Nelson opening the scoring. The exciting prospect cut in from the left flank and drilled a shot low into the near corner.