Arsenal vs West Bromwich Albion: Jack Wilshere in contention for Baggies clash after third U21 appearance

Arsenal have been handed a major injury boost for their final five games of the season after Jack Wilshere completed his second 90 minutes for the U21 side during the 2-1 loss to West Bromwich Albion on Monday (18 April). The English midfielder also scored his first goal since last June when he netted for England during their Euro 2016 qualifier win over Slovenia.

The England international is desperate to prove his fitness to Arsene Wenger and persuade the manager to give him a run out with the first-team before the end of the season, as he is keen to make the Three Lions squad for the European Championship finals in France later this year. Roy Hodgson has made it clear that he will have a place in the squad if he proves his fitness before he names his squad in less than a month on 12 May.

Wilshere has not played this entire season after fracturing his fibula on the eve of the Community Shield game against Chelsea in August last year. He has since recovered and featured three times for the Arsenal U21 side, completing 90 minutes on two occasions. The French coach will be delighted to have him back in the squad and had indicated that he could be included for the visit of Tony Pulis' side to the Emirates Stadium on Thursday (21 April).

The north London club are in danger of missing out on a place in the top four after starting the year as title favourites and Wilshere's return should add some impetus to the team, who are currently struggling for form. Arsenal have won just two of their last seven games and have gone from being two points behind leaders Leicester City to being 13 points behind with five games to go.

Apart from Wilshere, Tomas Rosicky could also return to the matchday squad after featuring for the U21's in recent weeks, while Santi Cazorla is also close to a return after training with the first-team ahead of their 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace on Sunday (17 April).