Wenger: Hodgson and I reached compromise over Wilshere

Nov 8, 2012 9:45:00 PM

The 20-year-old may start for England in Stockholm on Wednesday although the Arsenal boss notes that he was was reluctant after the midfielder's 17-month injury lay-off

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has stated that he reached a compromise with England boss Roy Hodgson which allowed Jack Wilshere to join up with the Three Lions for their friendly against Sweden.

The midfielder has been sidelined for over a year with ankle problems, but finally made his return to the Gunners' first-team in October against QPR.

Wilshere completed his first 90 minutes since making his comeback in a 2-2 draw against Schalke in the Champions League, and was included in the England squad by Hodgson as he will miss Saturday's visit of Fulham when he serves his one-match suspension, and Wenger revealed he was against the idea of the midfielder going on international duty.

"You know what I think with Jack, that it is early for him," Wenger told reporters.

"I had Roy Hodgson on the phone, we found a good understanding and a good compromise. What helps is that he is not playing over the weekend because he is suspended, of course.

"He will have a little breather. Roy wants him in the group to connect the game with the players. The ideal solution would be [that he wouldn't be involved]. But it is as it is.

"Jack has played three games now, and of the three games only one full game. He has been out for 17 months.

"It is good to have a little break after three games. What we like of him is he won't play over the weekend, so will recover. I think he needs 10 days of good recovery."

Arsenal right-back Carl Jenkinson will also be drafted into the squad, along with top-scorer Theo Walcott. The 20-year-old defender has been in good form covering for the injured Bacary Sagna, and Wenger is delighted his performances have been rewarded.

"I am happy that his potential has been acknowledged by Roy Hodgson, so that is good news," Wenger added.

"Carl is a guy with massive potential and I believe the positive of that is it will improve his belief, and that is very important for him in my opinion."