Arsenal have been dealt a blow as Jack Wilshere has been sidelined for a further two months with a recurring ankle injury.

The 19-year-old has been battling an injury to his right ankle since June, and though he was expected to return in late July, he sustained a recurrence of the injury in a pre-season friendly against New York Red Bulls. His recovery was further prolonged after a setback in training last month and Arsenal have now confirmed that the player will be out till November.

The Gunners are not willing to rush the player from rehabilitation as if he breaks down again, then he would need a screw inserted into the joint, further complicating the matter. He is currently wearing a surgical boot in order to protect the injury.

An Arsenal spokesman confirmed, He will be out for a couple more months, he needs to rest and then we will see where he's at.''

The midfielder later tweeted, I can confirm I will be out for around 2-3 months! I am working hard in the gym to stay fit and I am gutted but I will be back stronger!

Speaking just prior to Arsenal confirming Wilshere would need an extended break, his club colleague Theo Walcott expressed hope the teenager would be able to return sooner than in two months' time.

Wilshere's team-mate Theo Walcott, speaking at an England press conference, admitted that the young midfielder, who was one of Arsenal's star performers last season, would be missed.

Jack's a very important player for us. It's a shame he's had this ankle problem, Walcott said. But he's a bright lad - he'll be back as soon as he can. Fingers crossed it's going to be a bit sooner than that (two months). He'll have to get back as soon as possible.

We're going to miss him but he's professional enough to get on with it.''

New York United kingdom Soccer New York