Wenger: I’m Optimistic About Wilshere

Wilshere, 23, is yet to feature this season after suffering a fractured fibula in August.

The outstanding form shown by Ozil has been the catalyst to the Gunners’ climb to the top of the Barclays Premier League table heading into 2016 as they go in search of a first title in 12 years.

“Some of the guys’ legs were going towards the end against Bournemouth – including mine – but Mesut is just in the form of his life, he is just a special player. I think as well that he is happy here and I’m sure until the end of the season he will play more games”. I hope at some stage that will stop because he is young and I hope I’m right.

“He is a special case because he is a special talent, he comes out of the club, and he is an England worldwide”, Wenger said. “And he is an England worldwide and I hope his injuries will stop at some stage”.

Wilshere penned his current Arsenal contract three years ago and Wenger certainly is not ready to give up on the Stevenage-born ace.

“I want Jack to stay here”, he said. “I need to help out by putting them in”. “But he is strong and he is dealing with that. This season he was not stopped by injuries and I believe that he arrives at an age – 27 – that you think “it’s time for me to really be efficient in every single game, and I want to enjoy every single game”.

On the long run, I firmly believe the experience of these players in situations such as this one will come in very handy for the team.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is not taking Newcastle United’s lowly position of 18th for granted as he talks up the quality available to boss Steve McClaren, Sky Sports report.

The midfielder sat out the recent win over Bournemouth with a minor ankle problem but is now fit to return and could replace Calum Chambers alongside Aaron Ramsey for the clash with the struggling Magpies.

“You question our mentality, I don’t”.

“I am optimistic”, said the Arsenal manager.

The Gunners, who beat Newcastle at St James’ Park earlier in the season, will be hoping they can start the new year like they finished the last; with a win.

Newcastle midfielder Vurnon Anita is out after limping off with a hamstring problem during Monday’s 1-0 defeat at West Brom and has become the latest addition to a lengthy casualty list which also includes goalkeeper Rob Elliot, who is battling a stomach bug.