Wilshere in Gunners’ ranks for Canaries clash

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes Jack Wilshere will have no psychological barriers to overcome when he finally throws himself back into action.

England midfielder Wilshere, 20, has been out for 14 months with niggling ankle and knee injuries, but his agent confirmed he is set to be included in the first-team squad at Norwich today.

Wenger feels despite the disappointment of Wilshere’s extended absence — which forced him to miss both Euro 2012 and the chance of playing for Team GB at the London Olympics — the player’s mental focus will not be an issue.

“After a serious injury, you have apprehension because many times it is linked. In your memory you have a moment where you have been hit and you will try to avoid getting in the same position again,” said Wenger.

“Jack has none of that — he has not been injured in a specific tackle. He had a stress fracture that came slowly, so he has no memory in the game of having been kicked by anybody or injured by anybody.”

At his pre-match press conference on Friday morning, Wenger rejected suggestions Wilshere would be quickly reintegrated into the first-team squad, having earlier this week had a run-out in a specially-arranged friendly.

However, Wilshere’s agent Simon Bayliff later said on Twitter that the midfielder would be making the trip to Norfolk. While Wilshere is not expected to get any game time at Carrow Road, the whole experience will help aid his rehabilitation after such a long period in the treatment room.

Wilshere is likely to play in another U21s game against Everton next week, and then come into contention for the Capital One Cup tie at Reading on October 30 ahead of the Premier League game at Manchester United.

Wenger accepts the 20-year-old is impatient.

“Players always think they were ready and when you speak with them six months later and ask ’do you think now you were ready?’ They will say no,” he said.

“It’s not up to Jack to know that. His job is to play — he does not decide.”

Arsenal head to Norwich looking to pick up from where they left off before the international break following a battling win at West Ham.

They will face a side yet to win in the Premier League under new manager Chris Hughton.

Nevertheless, Wenger feels Norwich striker Grant Holt could again give Arsenal cause for concern.

“Holt gave us some problems last year, especially at the Emirates, he had a fantastic game there,” said Wenger.

“Last year I looked at him, like many clubs, not to buy him but just to see his numbers because he impressed against us. We were second best at the back last year and that is what we have to correct tomorrow.’’