Jack Wilshere to miss England fixtures due to ankle problem

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has confirmed that Jack Wilshere will not join up with the England squad at the end of the month.

The 23-year-old has not played since the Gunners' 2-1 defeat to Manchester United back in November, and has suffered minor setbacks in his recovery.

Today, Wenger told reporters in his press conference that Wilshere will not be available for the Three Lions' fixtures against Lithuania and Italy.

"It's very difficult to say when he will be back," said Wenger. "We have to respect his recovery."

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will also be absent from the England squad as he is due to miss three to four weeks of action with a hamstring injury.