Wilshere will be fit for World Cup, Wenger assures Hodgson

Zee Media Bureau

London: In a major boost to England`s 2014 World Cup preparation, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger assured that Jack Wilshere will be fit in time for the global show-piece event. The England midfielder has been sidelined since fracturing bone in his foot during Three Lions` 1-0 victory over Denmark at Wembley Stadium on March 5. The 22-year-old sustained the injury following a tackle by Daniel Agger, who also plays for Liverpool. In the run-up to the June finals, the Stevenage-born play-maker was expected to play a crucial role for England as manager Roy Hodgson continued to try different formations revolving around their capable Steven Gerrard, from the midfield. Another Arsenal star, Theo Walcott suffered cruciate ligament damage during the Gunners` FA Cup victory over Spurs in January, which all but ended England forward`s hopes of playing in Brazil. Such injuries have become a part of both England and Arsenal outfits this season. Roy Hodgson is expected to name a 30-man provisional World Cup squad on 13 May and Wenger said he has assured the England boss that Wilshere will be available. The Frenchman added that his ward will start to jog this week. If Wilshere recovers as expected, then the May 17 FA Cup final against Hull City will be a perfect come-back match for him. England have a tough group with Uruguay, Italy and Costa Rica and will start their campaign on June 14 against four-time champions Italy at Arena Amazonia, Manaus.