Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has hailed the imminent return of England midfielder Jack Wilshere after 14 months out through injury.
The 20-year-old will make his long-awaited comeback in an under-21 game at West Bromwich Albion on Monday night, having been on the sidelines with ankle and knee injuries.
“It is fantastic for him,” Wenger told a news conference on Thursday.
“When you are out for so long, it’s massive to take. It’s massive for him to come back, and for us as well.”
Wilshere missed the whole of last season after suffering an injury in pre-season and Wenger said it would be important to carefully manage his reintegration into the first team.
“He will play on Monday, he will play his first game with the under-21s, maybe an hour or something like that,” Wenger said.
“It’s another important step but he has not played for 14 months so we have to calm (the media’s) impatience a little bit.
Wenger said he believed Wilshere would be a better player for overcoming his problems.
“What he’s gone through will make him stronger,” Wenger added.
“It’s a good test for your mental strength.
“I always thought he would come back. Wilshere has had ups and downs. He was focused, especially in the last three months.