Wilshere gives Arsenal and England boost as he closes in on return from broken foot
Jack Wilshere will provide Arsenal and England with a huge boost next week when he starts running outside for the first time since breaking his foot.
The midfielder is recovering from a hairline fracture to his left foot sustained in a hefty challenge with Liverpool defender Daniel Agger in England's win over Denmark on March 5.
Wilshere has been working in the gym, focussing mainly on maintaining his cardiovascular fitness and core strength while the injury heals.
VIDEO: Scroll down to watch Wenger on Aaron Ramsey's long awaited return
Jack is back! Wilshere has not played since fracturing his left foot against Denmark in March
Brazil bound? England coach Roy Hodgson will be monitoring Wilshere as he finalises his World Cup squad
And the 22-year-old is expected to step up his return to fitness next week.
'It's all going well for Jack, but he has not started to run, I think that's planned next week,' said manger Arsene Wenger.
Wilshere now looks certain to play a part for Arsenal before the end of the season.
The news will interest England manager Roy Hodgson, who is being kept updated on Wilshere's progress, as he finalises his squad for the World Cup.
There were fears Wilshere would miss the tournament, but - barring a setback - the midfielder looks certain to make the plane to Brazil.
And in further good news, Laurent Koscielny (calf) and Mesut Ozil (hamstring) should both return to full fitness within the next seven days.
Koscielny could be available for Tuesday's visit of West Ham while it is hoped Ozil can return for next Saturday's visit to Hull.
Wenger has also confirmed Aaron Ramsey will make his first start since sustaining a thigh injury on Boxing Day in tomorrow's FA Cup semi-final versus Wigan - news Sportsmail predicted on Wednesday.
Call the cavalry: Laurent Koscielny (L) and playmaker Mesut Ozil (R) are also close to first team returns
Meanwhile, the Gunners boss insists his side's end of season results will not have a bearing on whether he extends his stay at the Emirates Stadium.
Senior Arsenal chiefs are seeking answers from Wenger as he stalls on signing the a new two-year deal that has been on the table since the turn of the year.
Wenger has given the club his word that he will sign the contract, but his failure to put pen-to-paper has raised doubts over his future.
And when asked whether results will be linked to his decision, Wenger replied: 'No, I have spoken about my contract many times.'
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