Wenger explains Wilshire omission

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said he left Jack Wilshere out of the starting line-up for his team’s victory at Fulham because the midfielder has still not fully recovered from an ankle injury.

Wilshire came on a 71st-minute substitute at Craven Cottage, where’s Fulham’s Steve Sidwell was sent off.

Wenger said: “Jack played on Saturday and Tuesday and he is still not completely recovered. He is not yet pain-free so I took the decision to rest him today.”

Per Mertesacker’s first-half header was enough to see off Fulham and boost the Gunners’ hopes of a top-four finish.

“It was a very important win for us. It was important for us to put the pressure on Tottenham and Chelsea today,” Wenger added.

“It’s important for us to win all our games. We are on a strong run and now we most concentrate on the next one – Manchester United – which will be an intense game.”

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