Jack Wilshere fears latest setback on international duty has cost him his place in Gareth Southgate’s World Cup squad
Arsenal ace is desperate to earn his spot in Russia but fears the dream is over despite his 31 appearances for Arsenal
JACK WILSHERE fears his World Cup dream is over — because England boss Gareth Southgate has serious concerns over his fitness.
Southgate revealed the Arsenal star has a problem which needed medical supervision during the international break.
Midfielder Wilshere, 26, missed the friendlies against Holland and Italy with a sore tendon in his knee.
Southgate said: “It’s an ongoing issue Jack has to manage. He wouldn’t have been ready against Holland.
“I’ve no reason to believe he wouldn’t be back for Arsenal’s next game.”
Wilshere is desperate to play in Russia this summer but is running out of time to prove he can be a fully fit and reliable member of the squad.
He has made 31 appearances for Arsenal this season but his latest setback — sustained in the session before England flew to Amsterdam for their 1-0 win last Friday — appears to have been the final straw.
Unlike Roy Hodgson before Euro 2016, Southgate will not risk having an unfit Wilshere in his squad.
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But Arsenal No 2 Steve Bould claimed the ace will be fit for Sunday’s clash with Stoke at the Emirates.
Bould said: “Jack trained on Wednesday, he’s OK. He had a bit of a knee problem — but he’s come back and is fine.”