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Arsene Wenger expects Jack Wilshere to stay at Arsenal but warns midfielder he faces a battle for game time

England international was loaned out to Bournemouth last season but is back in London recovering from a fractured leg

JACK WILSHERE faces a massive fight to force his way back into Arsene Wenger’s plans.

The England midfielder was loaned out to Bournemouth last season but is back at Arsenal recovering from a fractured leg.

 Midfield ace Jack Wilshere has been tipped to stay at Arsenal
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Midfield ace Jack Wilshere has been tipped to stay at ArsenalCredit: PA:Press Association
 Arsene Wenger warned Wilshere he faces a fight to play
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Arsene Wenger warned Wilshere he faces a fight to playCredit: Getty Images

Gunners boss Wenger said: “When he returns, he won’t be far from practising with the team.

“He has to work hard to come back and fight for a place in the team.”

But Wenger believes Wilshere, 25, will still be at the Emirates for the forthcoming campaign.

He added: “I think Jack will be with Arsenal next season, yes.”

Meanwhile, Wilshere’s Gunners team-mate Alex Iwobi has revealed how England failed in a last-ditch bid to stop him  playing for Nigeria.

The 21-year-old represented the Three Lions at youth level before he decided in 2015 to play international football for the country of his birth.

 Jack Wilshere was doing well at Bournemouth before his injury curse struck
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Jack Wilshere was doing well at Bournemouth before his injury curse struckCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
 England international Wilshere suffered a hairline fracture against Tottenham
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England international Wilshere suffered a hairline fracture against TottenhamCredit: PA:Press Association

He said: “As I was about to play my first match for Nigeria, Roy Hodgson was in contact with Arsenal saying ‘We’d like him to get involved with the Under-21s’.

“But my mind was made up. It’s my decision.”

 Alex Iwobi has revealed he rejected a late plea from England before deciding to play for Nigeria
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Alex Iwobi has revealed he rejected a late plea from England before deciding to play for NigeriaCredit: Reuters

Iwobi is looking to play more for Arsenal this term and hopes to match the form he showed in his breakthrough season two years ago.

He insisted: “I have a point to prove.”


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