Jack Wilshere 'needs at least one more game' before Arsenal first-team return

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has revealed that Jack Wilshere needs to play at least "one more game" for the Under-21s before he is considered for a first-team return.

The midfielder has missed the entire season so far with a leg fracture, but has stepped up his recovery over the last few weeks by featuring for the Gunners' development side.

It has been reported that the 24-year-old, who played 90 minutes for the U21s earlier this week, could be included in the senior squad for Arsenal's match against Sunderland on April 24.

Wenger has not named a specific date for Wilshere's return, but is keen for him to rack up some more minutes away from the first team.

"I do not know [if Wilshere will be ready for next week]," Wenger said in Friday's press conference. "I think he needs one more game at least. He will play for the Under-21s on Monday night and I will have to see how he is compared to his competitors.

"Once he is through three or four games of course we will consider him."

Wilshere is also hoping to be named on May 12 in Roy Hodgson's 23-man squad for this summer's European Championships in France.