Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has insisted that he will not "risk" the fitness of midfielder Jack Wilshere in the FA Cup fifth round against Blackburn Rovers this weekend.

The England international, who was previously sidelined for over a year with injury, picked up a thigh problem during the Gunners' 1-0 win over Sunderland last weekend.

"I will not take a risk," Wenger told the club's official website. "[That is because I have] the rest of the season in mind and what happened to him before."

Wilshere, who has been highly praised in terms of form since returning to fitness, stood out for England during their international friendly against Brazil at Wembley.

Written by
Danielle Joynson