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ESPN staff 10y

Jack Wilshere returns to training early

Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere made an early start to his preseason preparations after he returned to training three days before many of his teammates.

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Wilshere's return comes soon after photographs of him with a cigarette in his mouth while on holiday in Las Vegas were published by the Daily Mail.

The 22-year-old posted a picture on his Instagram account which showed him in his training kit alongside Theo Walcott, who is continuing his recovery from a serious knee injury.

Arsenal's World Cup contingent are not expected back until Sunday but Wilshere, who played a peripheral role in England's disappointing campaign in Brazil, made the decision to return three days early.

It is not the first time Wilshere has earned unwanted attention for smoking. Last October, he was pictured smoking outside a London nightclub, leading to a reprimand from Gunners manager Arsene Wenger and a public apology from the midfielder.

While Wilshere returned to training early determined to prove his worth, Walcott has been busy recovering from the knee injury he suffered against Tottenham last January.

The winger does not have a date in mind for his comeback but insists his knee is "pretty much healed."

"The knee is going really well. I am doing some good stuff with the physios and fitness coaches and we have worked really hard throughout the summer," Walcott is quoted as saying by the Daily Telegraph.

"Things are looking really good and I have worked very hard for the last five months now.

"The most important thing is getting the strength back and it has pretty much healed -- it is just about building up that stability and strength again.

"It is coming along nicely and I am really pleased."

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