Arsenal's Jack Wilshere misses England games for ankle surgery

Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere will have a minor ankle operation at the end of the season, ruling him out of England's friendlies against the Republic of Ireland and Brazil.

"Jack plays with painkillers. I use him only when it is really needed," said Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger.

"He will have small surgery after the season. It's a two to three weeks job."

The 21-year-old could be a substitute for the fourth league match in a row when Arsenal host Wigan on Tuesday.

Wilshere, who has seven England caps, missed the 2011-12 campaign because of ankle, foot and heel injuries.

He was also sidelined for several weeks with an ankle problem after the defeat at Tottenham in March and missed England's World Cup qualifiers against San Marino and Montenegro the same month.

Wenger confirmed the procedure, which will remove a pin inserted during previous surgery, means Wilshere will return for Arsenal's pre-season campaign, which includes a tour of Asia.

The Football Association is aware of the fitness concerns surrounding Wilshere.

On Thursday, England manager Roy Hodgson is due to announce his squad for the games against the Republic of Ireland and Brazil on 29 May and 2 June respectively.

An Arsenal win against FA Cup winners Wigan will move them back into fourth spot - the last remaining Champions League place.

The Latics need a victory to keep alive their hopes of escaping Premier League relegation.

"Wigan is a bit repeated every year," said Wenger. "They always recover in the period where everybody says they are finished.

"Of course, they have got out in recent years - just - but when you play with that fire every year it can be dangerous."