OPINION
When West Ham snapped up Jack Wilshere on a free transfer from Arsenal in the summer, questions were immediately asked about the midfielder’s injury record.
Wilshere had limped through his career so far as injury after injury struck him down, although the 2017/18 season had actually been one of his most successful in keeping fit.
His career at the London Stadium started well enough, with Wilshere playing in all of their first four Premier League games, but then a familiar ankle issue struck which has sidelined him until now.
Wilshere has now confirmed he is nearing a return from his injury in an interview with the club’s official website, with the rarely-seen midfielder saying he is determined to get back to his best very soon.
“Whenever I’m fit and playing in the Premier League, I’ve always said to everyone that I believe in my own ability. Sometimes players go through tough times, injuries and stuff, but I always believe in my abilities. When I get back I’m looking to give my best performances,” he said.
And, while it is still early days in his time in east London, the plight of his much-maligned teammate Andy Carroll illustrates just how important staying fit will be for Wilshere in the coming months.
Striker Carroll has spent much of his six years at the club on the treatment table, and with his contract coming to an end in the summer, it looks like the club may finally offload him from their wage bill.
Carroll himself has returned from injury this week, playing a behind-closed-doors friendly against Brentford on Thursday, but fan reaction to his appearance shows just how low he has fallen in their estimations.
These West Ham supporters are clearly at the end of their tether with Carroll, and Wilshere must now be careful not to stray down the same path as the giant striker.
Obviously injuries are out of your control in many respects, but Wilshere must do all he can to stay fit in the coming months and years if he wants to avoid fan backlash like that now seen towards Carroll.
A strong return in the coming weeks would be a good place to start, and Wilshere can then hopefully endear himself to the West Ham faithful and avoid the same fate as Carroll.
