West Ham midfielder Jack Wilshere has handed manager Manuel Pellegrini a huge boost after revealing he could play before the end of the season.
There were fears that the England international might have been ruled out until the summer after another campaign plagued by problems, with just five appearances for the 27-year-old since arriving on a free transfer from Arsenal last year.
However, with an international break giving Wilshere the chance to return to training with no fixtures to contend with, the former Gunner has handed his boss a big boost by insisting he is feeling as though he will be available in their final games.
He told Sky Sports: “That is the plan (to play this season). I am back in full training – it has been a long time, frustrating but it was something I had to do after speaking to the specialists.
“I am trying to get fit [but] it is not a great time to come back because you get fully fit, maybe play a couple of games and then the season finishes.
“It is going to be a big off-season for me as well but I am feeling good and I want to play again this [season].”
Opinion
No one really knows how big a miss Wilshere has been for the Hammers, having featured in just a handful of games when everyone in east London was struggling at the start of the season. He was not earning rave reviews from the West Ham faithful but then again no one was and so it remains to be seen what he can bring the side when everyone is on top of their game. Having him back in action is still a massive boost for Pellegrini and the squad, who could use someone with his talents to bring some balance to the side. The problem with the Irons is that they are too inconsistent but having someone who can dictate the game with their passing ability – which Wilshere has proven he can do – could be exactly what they need to ensure positive results. Only time will tell whether he can get some game time before the season is out.
