Jack Wilshere will not make Arsenal return 'until October'

Jack Wilshere

Arsene Wenger says Jack Wilshere will not play for Arsenal before October.

The 20-year-old England midfielder missed the whole of the 2011-12 campaign with an ankle problem, and had minor knee surgery in May.

"Hopefully, we will get Wilshere back playing for October," said Wenger, before Arsenal's final match of their Asia tour in Hong Kong.

"With Abou Diaby returning, it will be like signing two new players. The squad will be strong and competitive."

Wilshere injured his right ankle last summer and had successful surgery, only to suffer a stress fracture during his rehabilitation in January.

A long-standing knee injury then flared up during his rehabilitation, meaning he also missed Euro 2012.

Wilshere hopes to resume light training in August, with his sights set on a return to action in October.

It means he is ruled out of England's opening two World Cup qualifiers against Moldova and Ukraine, which take place in early September.