Former West Ham United striker Dean Ashton has expressed empathy towards Arsenal's Jack Wilshere after the midfielder's latest injury setback.

Earlier today it was revealed that Wilshere's return to football after a year out will not be until October at the earliest. Ashton, who was forced to end his football career after an ankle problem, believes Wilshere will have suffered mentally from a prolonged period out.

Ashton told The Mirror: "It's a lonely place when you are out for so long.

"You try your best to stay involved but it's hard to watch your teammates train and play. Coping with the setbacks is very difficult as well."

Wilshere's last appearance came in a pre-season friendly against Stevenage last July.