No guaranteed selection for fit again Jack Wilshere

Premier League

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has welcomed the return of England midfielder Jack Wilshere from three months out with an ankle injury, but warned the “balance of the team” must come first.

The 23-year-old has not played since needing an operation after hobbling off in the defeat to Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium on November 22.

Wilshere, though, has come through his rehabilitation quicker than expected, and is expected to be involved again at Crystal Palace today.

Wenger has praised the way the player has dedicated himself to a speedy recovery, during which he made some unwanted headlines off the pitch after being photographed holding a shisha pipe at a nightclub.

It was not so long ago the dynamic midfielder would have been a certain starter in the Arsenal XI.

However, with the likes of Santi Cazorla, Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez all in impressive form as Francis Coquelin shields the defence, Wenger accepts there can be no guarantees of selection for anyone.

Arsenal can expect a stern test of their top-four credentials at Selhurst Park against a side which is now well organised under new manager Alan Pardew.

Wenger said: “They have found confidence again.”