Wenger hopeful over Wilshere

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is remaining positive over Jack Wilshere's fitness.

The 20-year-old was first troubled by an ankle problem while on international duty with England last summer and, apart from a pre-season appearance in the Emirates Cup, has not played a competitive match for the Gunners this season.

Wilshere, who needed surgery after initially wearing a protective boot, was set to return in early February, but felt pain when running in training earlier this week and will now have a series of consultations with specialists before deciding how to proceed.

But Wenger revealed after the 3-2 FA Cup win over Aston Villa it could be only a minor setback.

"We have no real news yet. The first news we have had is better than expected. He is not in a boot, but I don't know more," he said. "His morale looks quite good and I hope it will only be a short setback. There will be more tests this week."