Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has refused to rule Jack Wilshere out for the rest of the season.

It was confirmed on Friday that the midfielder, who has not played for the Gunners this season, had suffered a setback on his return from an ankle injury.

"Who would want to [write off his season]? I don't want to and he doesn't want to," said Wenger. "But there is no reason either, if he is fit. If we have good news and he can move on, why should we do it?

"I am really disappointed for him as well, because he is a football animal. I am so sad that, at that age, you have to be out for such a long time with not any obvious reason.

"If you had have told me that Jack would not have played one game by February I would have said, 'That's impossible.'"

Arsenal host Aston Villa in the FA Cup fourth round on Sunday.