Jack Wilshere has no handbrake... But we can't change the way he plays to prevent injuries, says Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger

• e-mail

Arsene Wenger says Jack Wilshere's lack of a handbrake means he may always be blighted by the injury problems that have haunted him this year.

Arsenal midfielder Wilshere will miss the first four weeks of the season after a hairline fracture to his ankle, having played just 219 competitive minutes for his club this year.

And Wenger says Wilshere's penchant for releasing the ball late to draw challenges means he could continue to suffer, with the 23-year-old unable to change his ways.

Jack WIlshere will miss the first four weeks of the season after sustaining a hairline fracture in his ankle

'Jack's game is to provoke with the ball at his feet and go and penetrate,' the French boss said. 'You take that away, you change the player and you take one of his biggest strengths out.

'We are all programmed through our education to deal with situations in a way we are used to. With age and experience, we use our qualities in a more efficient way but we do not change the way we play.

'When he was younger (he was too brave). When he was 17 I told him sometimes, "You do not need to go in there".

'I think Jack has a born football brain and a creative brain. He has no handbrake.'

Wilshere in training ahead of the Community Shield last weekend before getting injured

Joining Wilshere on the sidelines against West Ham will be striking options Alexis Sanchez and Danny Welbeck.

Despite a depleted frontline, Wenger has not yet been tempted into the transfer market, although he conceded yesterday that he would consider moving for an 'exceptional' talent.

Arsenal have been linked with £35million-rated Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema, with club legend Thierry Henry throwing his backing behind a move.

'At the moment we do not have Sanchez, not Welbeck, and when these players come back we feel that we have the needed striking force,' Wenger said. 'But we don' t rule out as well if something exceptional turns up to do it.'

Arsene Wenger is unhappy with the early start to the season and calls it 'completely unexplainable'

The 65-year-old coach is as optimistic as he's been in recent years about Arsenal's title hopes, although he is already angry with Premier League chiefs over scheduling.

An early start means Sanchez, who played in the Copa America final last month, is unavailable for selection.

'I'm not a fan of starting earlier because I think it's a massive mistake for England to start one week earlier,' Wenger said.

'Every doctor tells you that for the bones it takes six weeks to heal completely. Players don't get that anymore. It's completely unexplainable.'