Arsene Wenger has warned fit-again Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere that he must fight to earn a place in the first team.

The England ace is expected to be named in the squad for tomorrow's trip to Crystal Palace following a three-month absence with an ankle injury.

Santi Cazorla has since flourished in Wilshere's absence and picked up back-to-back PFA Fans' Player of the Month awards in December and January.

"It's good to have him back. This injury was on his left ankle, whereas he had had all those previous problems on the right one," Wenger told The Guardian.

"So it has been a straightforward injury and it has healed. Even so, it's difficult to come back straight away [into the side] always but it's good he's already back in contention.

"No matter who plays, you always worry about the balance of the team. If you look at Santi, for example, until now he has maybe been our most consistent player and, since he moved centrally, he has increased his influence as well."

Cazorla has picked up six goals and as many assists in 21 Premier League starts this season.