Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has claimed that Jack Wilshere's recent setback isn't as bad as first thought.

The Frenchman confirmed last week that the 20-year-old had suffered a setback in his recovery from an ankle injury.

Wenger has claimed that he expects the midfielder to return to the Gunners team before the end of the season.

"We have no real news yet," said Wenger. "The first news we have had is better than expected. He is not in a boot, but I don't know more.

"His morale looks quite good and I hope it will only be a short setback. There will be more tests this week.

"I do not know yet when he will start training. I would not like to make any mistake in my statement, because I did not speak to the medical people today."

Wilshere has not played for Arsenal at all this season after picking up the long-term injury in August.