Arsene Wenger: 'Jack Wilshere is close to a return'

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has revealed that he thought about putting Jack Wilshere on the substitutes' bench as his side beat Middlesbrough in the FA Cup on Sunday.

Two goals from Olivier Giroud saw the Gunners through to the last eight of the competition, but Wilshere played no part as he continues to recover from an ankle injury.

However, Wenger told the club's official website that the England midfielder, who underwent surgery in November, is nearing a return to action.

The Frenchman said: "He's two weeks ahead of schedule. I had no hesitation to put him on the bench today.

"But I thought I wanted him to have one more week of training."

Wilshere, who hasn't played since the visit of Manchester United back on November 22, may return to the squad when Wenger's side take on Crystal Palace next week.