Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has revealed that midfielder Jack Wilshere will be out of action until at least October.

Wilshere has not been in competitive action since July last year because of ankle and knee injuries, and missed out on a place in the England squad for the European Championship in Poland and Ukraine earlier this summer.

The 20-year-old is now set to miss the start of the 2012-13 season

"Hopefully, we will get Wilshere back playing for October," Wenger told reporters.

"With Abou Diaby returning, it will be like signing two new players. This season, the squad will be strong and competitive."

Arsenal are currently on a pre-season tour of Asia and will begin their Premier League campaign with a home game against Sunderland on Saturday August 18.