Wilshere to undergo surgery

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has confirmed midfielder Jack Wilshere will have a minor operation on his ankle at the end of the season. Wilshere's scheduled surgery subsequently rules him out of England's upcoming friendlies against the Republic of Ireland and Brazil. Having missed the entire 2011/12 campaign for both club and country, the 21-year-old's latest setback casts doubt over his participation at World Cup 2014 in South America. Wenger, however, is positive Wilshere will make a full recovery in time to make Roy Hodgson's squad for the footballing showpiece next year. "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," the Frenchman said. "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." When he has played, Wilshere has impressed for both the Gunners and the Three Lions this season, with a particularly strong performance for the English in a 2-1 win over the Brazilians at Wembley in February. While the youngster may rue his absence for the away fixture against A Selecao, Wenger believes the goal of starring on the grandest stage of them all in little over 12 months time will keep him motivated. He added: "Of course (he will be disappointed), but he will go (to Brazil) next year."