Arsenal ‘need to get a defender’ says Wilshere

Ian Watson

Jack Wilshere has again targeted an injury-free season and Arsene Wenger accepts the Arsenal midfielder has a “very big year” ahead.

The England star has endured a series of injury-plagued seasons, with the last campaign being almost a write-off for the 24-year-old after he broke his fibula in pre-season.

Wilshere is again nursing a knee injury as the season approaches, but Wenger is expecting big things this term.

“He has a very big year ahead,” Wenger said.

“His preparation was encouraging – he had a little, little setback recently but it looks very minor.

“For us to have a great season, it’s important to have a great Jack Wilshere.”

Wilshere himself added: “I’ve been thinking for a few years that this has got to be the year that I don’t get injured, I thought that last year and then it was my worst year. Hopefully this is the year I get a long run.”

The homegrown player sees no signs of his long-term manager stepping away from the role, despite ongoing speculation, and backed Wenger to hold his own in that “world championship”.

“I see the same hunger, if not even more,” said Wilshere.

“He’s been great over the years, he’s a top manager. I know the Premier League has added some of the best managers in the world, but for me the boss is up there.

“Everyone keeps saying it’s going to be his last year but he keeps going. I think he really feels he can win something and do something special with this team.”

He also admitted that the Gunners need a new addition heading into the 2016/17 campaign.

“We picked up a few injuries in defence so we probably need to get a defender in,” he continued.

“But even then we brought in Rob Holding, who has done great in pre-season, and we have got another young centre-back in Calum Chambers.”