Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has insisted that he will not rush midfielder Jack Wilshere back to action following his lengthy injury layoff.
The England international has missed 14 months, including the entire duration of last season, with a succession of knee and ankle issues.
He made a successful return to Gunners training on September 20 and then made his on-field comeback during Arsenal's Under-21 clash with West Bromwich Albion on Monday.
However, Wenger has stressed the importance of easing Wilshere back into first-team action, but has revealed that the 20-year-old will play in another youth team match next week.
"Jack needs a few games, progressive build-up to get his body used again to competition, to shocks, to fights, but he is doing extremely well, the situation looks very good," said Wenger.
"The body is like that, when you have been out of competition for 14 months it takes a long time to find your sharpness back. You cannot rush it.
"We have to be cautious, not crazy, because of his talent you are always pushed in a situation where you would like to rush him back, and we have to resist that. The next match should be next week and he is working very hard."
England boss Roy Hodgson has also revealed that he does not plan to select Wilshere until his fitness has been proven.
Joe Fish
