Jack Wilshere confirms absence

Arsenal's Jack Wilshere has confirmed that he will be sidelined for "around 2-3 months".

Newspaper reports had earlier suggested that the midfielder could be out for three months with an ankle injury he picked up playing for England in June.

The 19-year-old England international then confirmed on his Twitter account: "I can confirm I will be out for around 2-3 months! I am working hard in the gym to stay fit and I am gutted but I will be back stronger!"

Wilshere was expected to make a return to action in time for the new season but he aggravated the injury in pre-season and may now require constructive surgery on the joint.