Arsenal injury news: Midfielder Jack Wilshere could return to action earlier than expected

Arsenal have received a major boost after it was revealed that midfielder Jack Wilshere could return much ahead of schedule.

The England midfielder suffered an ankle injury during the clash against Manchester United and had to undergo surgery. It was believed that Wilshere will be out for up to five months.

However, according to the Mirror, the Three Lions midfielder will make a return much earlier than expected, which will be good news for Arsenal and England.

Wilshere, was beginning to hit top form just before his injury and following some criticism earlier in the season, he was being praised for his performances for both club and country.

The 23-year-old midfielder was by far the best player for England during their Euro 2016 qualifier matches and manager Roy Hodgson will be glad to know that the midfielder could be available for the Three Lions next qualifier against Lithuania on March 27.

Arsene Wenger has also confirmed this after revealing that Wilshere could return to action by the end of February.

"Jack is progressing quicker than expected – he could be back by the end of February," the Gunners boss is quoted as saying by the Mirror.

Meanwhile, Arsenal skipper Mikel Arteta, who is currently on the sidelines recovering from a calf injury, has praised one of the Gunners' up and coming youngsters Dan Crowley after some top quality performances for the youth team this season.

The 17-year-old midfielder, who joined Arsenal from Aston Villa, has been compared to Wilshere in the past. He has scored 10 goals in 19 appearances for the north London club's various youth teams this season and has been tipped to have a great future by the Spaniard.

"He has impressed me for two reasons, the first is of course his talent, but also he is gaining maturity too, and if he keeps doing that then he can be a very good player," Arteta said, as quoted on Arsenal's official site.

"I'm glad they have given him the armband in the Youth Cup because that will give him more responsibility and he will need to be a real example to the other players. He's at the right club with the right people around him to guide him and to become a very important player," the former Everton midfielder added.