Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere faces another injury setback as his manager Arsene Wenger has revealed he will not be fit in time for the start of the new season.

The 20 year old missed the entirety of last year’s campaign with a series of chronic ankle and knee problems the first of which were sustained just over a year ago in a preseason warm up game against New York Red Bulls. Although desperate to return to Premier League action later this month for the kick off of the new season, Wenger has suggested October as a more realistic return date for the young midfielder.

The player, who when fit was a key member of the Arsenal midfield and a regular starter for the England team despite his young age, has received counsel from a number of sources.

Arsenal club legend Thierry Henry has expressed his sympathy and his admiration for the talented youngster’s ability.

“You want Wilshere around” said the 34 year old Frenchman. “He reminds me of when I first arrived when the old guard was there. He’s an Arsenal fan in the first place and you need this type of player around in the dressing room.”

“I just wish him all the best that he can come back quick and wear the shirt he loves so much.”

Further words of support have come from former West Ham striker Dean Ashton, who was similarly considered a great prospect for both the Premier League and the national side, but for whom a succession of serious injuries ultimately proved too much, forcing him to retire at the age of 26.

“It’s a lonely place when you are out for so long,” said the former Norwich and Crewe man.

“You try your best to stay involved, but it’s hard to watch your ­team-mates train and play. Coping with the setbacks is very difficult as well. You get so close to playing and it can be tough to find the enthusiasm to go through it all again.”

Arsenal will be desperate for this to be the last of Wilshere’s injury woes to prevent his career going the same way as the unfortunate Ashton’s.