Wilshere won’t be fit until October warns Wenger

Arsene Wenger has confirmed that Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere has been included in the England under-21 squad for this summer's European championships, but said it was a "massive" health risk and warned Gunners fans that even if the teenager made it through the tournament without picking up an injury he would not play in the Premier League until the autumn.

Wenger said: "I accept and respect the choice even if I think it is the wrong decision... He has played nearly 50 games this year and for me it is a massive risk."

The Arsenal manager said that because Wilshere would be on duty over the summer he would have to miss the start of next season. "If he survives the tournament then I will give him a long rest afterwards because he will absolutely need it. I have not seen a player who has a long season and goes to a big tournament and afterwards in August or September is in good shape."

Wenger admitted that Wilshere was "keen to do well" and wanted to play for England, but his words appear to be a warning to both the midfielder and Arsenal fans that he would not be turning out for the Gunners until next season is well under way if he does travel to Denmark with Stuart Pearce's squad.

It also raises the spectre of Arsenal starting next season without not only Wilshere, but also Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri, both of whom are being tipped to leave in the summer.

The Arsenal manager's comments are the latest in a war of words with the FA over Wilshere's inclusion in the Under-21s. Wenger feels that as he is already in Fabio Capello's senior squad he should no longer feature for the younger age group.

His announcement also pre-empts the official announcement of the squad. Wenger's ire could be even worse if Andy Carroll, the Liverpool striker who also plays for the senior England team, is left out as some are predicting, because of fitness concerns. ·