Arsene Wenger Confirms Jack Wilshere Injury and Defends Striker Danny Welbeck

Arsenal's injury woes have deepened following their dismal 2-0 loss to Borussia Dortmund in the first game of the Champions League group stages.

Arsene Wenger has confirmed that midfielder Jack Wilshere has 'turned' his ankle, but is not sure as to the extent of the injury. The Frenchman remains cautious regarding the injury as Wilshere has picked up the knock on the same ankle that was previously injured.

"Jack Wilshere has turned his ankle, it's difficult to say how bad it is because I am a bit cautious, normally it's not very bad but because of his history I'm a bit cautious. Apart from that no player I took off was injured," Wenger said, as quoted on Arsenal's official site.

The Gunners have already lost key first team players in Mathieu Debuchy and Olivier Giroud to long-term injuries and it will be a big blow to lose Wilshere, who was just beginning to hit form following a man of the match performance against Manchester City on Saturday.

Meanwhile, the 64-year-old Frenchman has come out in defence of striker Danny Welbeck, who was criticised for his poor finishing against Dortmund. The England international missed two clear cut chances during the game and the manager is confident that his striker will come good.

"He will [finish], I don't think we have to make a problem with that. He had a very lively first half and he couldn't finish from his two or three good chances in the first half. We have to be patient [with him]," the Frenchman added.

"He [Welbeck] was dangerous but he tired in the second half. He needs a goal to get that off his shoulders," the Arsenal boss said, as quoted by Goal.