Wilshere ruled out of Team GB after knee op
ARSENAL and England midfielder Jack Wilshere has categorically ruled out playing for Team GB at London 2012 this summer, after undergoing minor knee surgery.
The club insist Wilshere, who missed all last season with an ankle problem, has not suffered a setback and remains on course to return at the start of next term.
Manager Arsene Wenger expects to take Wilshere on the pre-season tour of Asia and Nigeria from July as the 20-year-old gradually rebuilds match fitness.
However it is understood there is an acceptance he may not be ready to start matches by the first round of Premier League fixtures on 18 August, while the Olympics have been deemed out of the question.
Team GB boss Stuart Pearce had included Wilshere on his 80-man shortlist and warned last month he was ready to defy Wenger’s wishes and pick the youngster.
Already an England regular but ruled out of Euro 2012, and under the age limit of 23, the Gunners star was a prime Team GB candidate.
But with Wilshere expected to need at least two months before playing again there is no chance of him being able to prove his fitness by Team GB’s 6 July deadline.
Goalkeeper Manuel Almunia has left Arsenal, along with four other professionals and two scholars after their contracts expired.