Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere 'out until Christmas'

Arsenal have confirmed that Jack Wilshere will be out for three months because he requires surgery on a left fibula hairline fracture.

The decision has been taken to perform the operation, which will see a small plate inserted into Wilshere's leg, after the England international failed to fully recover from the initial injury suffered in pre-season.

Arsenal said on their website this afternoon that the 23-year-old would have surgery in the coming days before a recovery period of around three months, meaning that he will not be able to return until around Christmas.

Wilshere, who has made just 48 Premier League starts the last four full seasons due to various injury problems, joins England teammate Danny Welbeck as a long-term Gunners absentee.