Arsenal transfer news: Jack Wilshere CANNOT be recalled from season-long loan spell at Bournemouth despite Gunners having NO fit central midfielders

ARSENAL boss Arsene Wenger CANNOT recall Jack Wilshere from his season-long loan at Bournemouth, SunSport can reveal.

The Gunners have been left without a single fit central midfielder after Aaron Ramsey limped out of tonight's 2-1 loss at home to Watford.

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Francis Coquelin is also suffering from a hamstring problem, Granit Xhaka is suspended for four-matches and Mohamed Elneny is away at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Santi Cazorla is also missing for an indefinite amount of time after having surgery in Sweden on a chronic Achilles problem before Christmas.

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Wenger would be desperate to recall Wilshere from his spell at Bournemouth, where he is having a fine season and has had a regular run of games.

But SunSport understands a clause was NOT put into the deal to allow him to be recalled back to the Emirates when he joined the Cherries.

Arsenal's title challenge suffered a shocking blow tonight after a surprise defeat to Watford, leaving them nine points behind leaders Chelsea.

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Wenger takes his side to Stamford Bridge in Saturday's earlier kick-off with just Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain able to fill a central midfield role.

Gunners supporters will be furious with the revelation that Wilshere cannot return for what is a must-win match.