Arsenal Handed Wilshere Boost

Arsenal youngster Jack Wilshere is ready to turn down the chance to play at the Olympics in order to concentrate on getting fit ahead of next season, according to the Daily Mail.

Stuart Pearce made it clear earlier this week that Wilshere was on his Team GB short-list and under consideration to be part of his London 2012 squad.

However, the Mail claim Wilshere has privately told Arsene Wenger that he knows playing in the tournament could have a lasting impact on his long-term fitness, and he is wiling to reject Pearce’s advances and concentrate on getting 100% for Arsenal ahead of next season.

The 21-year-old has endured an injury-plagued season thanks to a complicated ankle injury and was recently ruled out of this summers European Championships. Should he also miss the Olympics, Wilshere will instead join the Gunners on their pre-season tours in Malaysia, China, Hong Kong and Nigeria.

If these reports are accurate it will be a huge boost to Arsene Wenger and Arsenal, as having Wilshere compete in an intense competitive tournament after a whole season out could have been very dangerous. The last thing we need is Jack picking up another needless injury going in to next season.