Arsene Wenger does not seem too worried about Jack Wilshere’s ankle operation in the summer. The England international has made just 23 appearances in the Barclays Premier League this season, and has been struggling with injuries over the past two years.

Arsenal fans will not forget that Wilshere missed the entire last season due to an initial stress fracture ankle injury which reoccured, leading him to miss the full season. Fans were hoping to see the midfielder gradually recover this season, but that has not been the case with limited Premier League appearances.

Lately, the appearances have further reduced, with Wilshere being a substitute for Arsenal’s last three Premier League matches. This latest knock has not come at a particularly good time for the club, with the pressure of qualifying for the UEFA Champions League looming over.

Wilshere will most likely stay on the bench for the last game against Newcastle United, on Sunday. The England international will undergo a minor operation at the end of the season to remove metal component(s) from a previous surgery, which will ensure he recovers in time for pre-season.

Next season could be vital for the former Arsenal youth academy player, as the FIFA World Cup in Brazil will be happening at the end of next season. England boss Roy Hodgson will be hoping Wilshere completes an entire season fit next term, which will boost his chances of making it into the Three-Lions setup.

Wenger believes the operation involves taking out a pin, which would have been inserted to heal last year’s injury. The recovery time after the operation is estimated to be 2-3 weeks, which means Wilshere will miss England’s friendlies in the summer.

According to the Metro, Wenger said, “He will have small mild surgery after the season. At the moment Jack plays with painkillers and I use him only when it is really needed.”

“It is a very small, small, small one (operation), taking out a pin. It is a two to three weeks job. It will not be a problem.”

Arsenal fans will be hoping Wilshere’s surgery is indeed simple and does not take a toll on the player, and that the midfielder can come back into the side next season as a regular.