Former Arsenal defender Frank McLintock believes that Jack Wilshere's recent injury blow has already damaged the Gunners' start to the season.

The midfielder's return to action is expected to be delayed until October after he suffered another setback from an injury that kept him out of Arsenal's entire campaign last season.

"He's a great talent," McLintock told talkSPORT.. "It's a bad blow. Players like him come along every 10-15 years, he's a special talent.

"They have to be very careful. It's been over a year that he's been out with an injury that didn't appear too serious. It's not the best start to the season."

The 20-year-old suffered the original ankle injury during pre-season last year.