Manuel Pellegrini has revealed that he expects Jack Wilshere to be available for selection in two weeks.
The injury-hit midfielder, who joined West Ham from Arsenal on a free transfer in the summer, has not featured since a five minute cameo against Newcastle on December 1, before which his last appearance was September 1, due to an ankle injury carrying over from his time in north London and has suffered subsequent setbacks since.
Pellegrini, though, who builds his teams around ‘technical’ players such as Wilshere, expects the 27-year-old to be back in the fold early next month.
West Ham have battled against a host of midfield injuries this season with Manuel Lanzini having been absent since the summer while Jack Wilshere and Carlos Sanchez, who is out for the season, have endured lengthy layoffs. Samir Nasri was added to the squad after completing an 18-month Anti-Doping ban and has looked lively in his first two outings.
On Wilshere’s recovery, Pellegrini said: “He is continuing with his six weeks of rest about his ankle.
“He is in treatment and I hope that next week maybe he can start making some running, on the treadmill or the other gym.
“Will he play again this season? Yes, yes of course. He will be ready the beginning of February.”
Wilshere has made just five appearances for West Ham since his summer move and the Hammers have lost each of the four games he started.
