Arsene Wenger would block Jack Wilshere Olympic call

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has said that he will not allow Jack Wilshere to play in the Olympics this summer.

The midfielder has missed the entirety of the Gunners' campaign to date due to an ankle injury, but may be fit to feature within the next few weeks.

Should Wilshere return to action as expected, he could be in contention for England's European Championship campaign.

"Wilshere going to the Euros is a decision that fortunately I don't have to make," said Wenger.

"As an English player, if he's played some games before the end of the season, it's a possibility. If he has not played at all before the end of the season, I don't think it would be realistic."

However, Wenger says that he would block a call-up from Great Britain boss Stuart Pearce as playing in the Olympics could be a risk to Wilshere's health.

"I would only intervene if I believe that medically he's at risk," said Wenger.

"The Olympics destroys the start of the season for us. If he could play, we'd rather he went to the Euros than the Olympics."

Wilshere has not played for club or country since picking up an injury in Arsenal's pre-season match with New York Red Bulls.