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LONDON -- Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says he does not have any concerns about Jack Wilshere's long-term future in the game, despite his latest ankle injury ruling him out for the next three months. Wilshere, 22, limped off in last weekend's 2-1 defeat to Manchester United after a challenge from Paddy McNair, with the Gunners confirming on Thursday that their player faces another spell out on the sidelines. Wenger revealed that the England international is "very down" after his latest injury setback, but played down concerns that the midfielder lacks the physical ability to cope with the demands of Premier League football. "I still say that if he has no problem with his joints, he will make a massive career," Wenger told a news conference. "I think I was more worried one year ago than I am today. He had two or three surgeries on his right ankle and at some stage you can raise the question. I am much more confident of that today that he can have a great career. "This injury is a consequence of a tackle that is very bad. It was not malicious because I don't think that McNair wanted to hurt Jack, but it is a very late tackle and anybody who gets a tackle like that can have this kind of problem. "The problem is a bone problem. His joints are quite lax and he deals well with kicks at tackles, but this was too much. I don't think that anyone could escape surgery after that tackle. It's his strong point to turn forward, to run at people and be committed. We don't want to take that away from him. You don't want to change the way Jack plays." Wenger said that Wilshere has already turned his thoughts towards his recovery and is looking forward to making an impact when he returns to action. "He is prepared and focused to come back and finish the season well," Wenger said. "He will be back at the end of February, beginning of March. He will focus to go through a strong rehab and I'm sure he will help us do well until the end of the season after that. "He is very down. Jack is a football man who loves the game and on the other hand he is a very strong character as well. He has learned to deal with adversity at a very young age. He is a strong young man. When I spoke with him, he is very determined and he already has in his mind the final sprint of the season and to come back stronger. He is a very strong boy." Wenger confirmed that Gunners captain Mikel Arteta, winger Theo Walcott and striker Yaya Sanogo will join Wilshere on the absentees list for Saturday's Premier League trip to West Bromwich Albion, with forward Danny Welbeck also a doubt as he struggles with knee and hamstring problems.
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