Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has welcomed the return of England midfielder Jack Wilshere from three months out with an ankle injury, but warned the 'balance of the team' must always come first.
The 23-year-old has not played since needing an operation after hobbling off in the defeat to Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium on November 22.
Wilshere, though, has come through his rehabilitation quicker than expected, and is expected to be involved again at Crystal Palace on Saturday afternoon.
Wenger has praised the way the player has dedicated himself to a speedy recovery, during which he made some unwanted headlines off the pitch after being photographed holding a shisha pipe at a nightclub.
It was not so long ago the dynamic midfielder would have been a certain starter in the Arsenal XI.
However, with the likes of Santi Cazorla, Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez all in impressive form as Francis Coquelin shields the defence, Wenger accepts there can be no guarantees of selection for anyone.
'Jack is a bit ahead of schedule and has worked hard with no big problems, so it's good to have him back,' said Wenger.
'It is always difficult to come back straightaway. What is good is that [he is] already back (earlier than expected).
'That injury was on the left ankle. He had all his problems on the right ankle.
'It is a straightforward injury - once it's healed, there's no problem.'
Wenger, though, added: 'No matter who plays, you always worry first about the balance of the team, yes.'
The Arsenal manager hopes Wilshere can put the negative headlines behind him.
'I don't know how everybody is but I think every professional footballer has to control his life and dedicate it to the game,' Wenger said.
Arsenal can expect a stern test of their top-four credentials at Selhurst Park against a side which is now well organised and hard to break down under new manager Alan Pardew.
Source:Dailymail.
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