Like a new signing: Wilshere in Christmas return

Jack Wilshere will surely be praised as ‘like a new signing’ after reports claimed that the midfielder is set to return from injury for Arsenal by Christmas.

The 23-year-old midfielder has not kicked a ball this season after suffering a hairline fracture of his leg in pre-season, but the Sunday Mirror claims the England man is closing in on a return to action

His recovery has gone according to plan and Arsenal are confident he will be back to fitness for the matches at Southampton on Boxing Day, the home game with Bournemouth two days later and Newcastle at The Emirates on January 2.

And that will come as a huge shot in the arm to boss Arsene Wenger, who is without Theo Walcott, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Hector Bellerin and Danny Welbeck as well as Wilshere.

Wilshere, who last month described his latest injury as a “freak incident” in training, has admitted he “might have to calm down a bit in training” in a bid to stay injury free.

The one-club Wilshere has won 28 England caps and Spain great Xavi claimed he would be one of the world’s best if he could stay clear of injuries.