Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere is closing is on a return to first-team action but will not be involved on Sunday against Crystal Palace, Arsene Wenger has confirmed.

The England international has missed the entire season after suffering a broken leg during pre-season training.

And while his prospects of featuring this season appear bright, Wenger admits he will not be available this weekend.

When asked when Wilshere will return to the first-team, Wenger said: “I don’t know.

“He will play again on Monday and then we have to see how he is compared to other players.

“If he is ready [for Thursday] then we will consider him.”

Wenger will be reunited with Pardew on Sunday – the pair were infamously involved in a touchline incident when the now Eagles boss was in charge of West Ham in 2006.

But Wenger insists the distance between dugouts will ensure no similar episode will take place.

“I believe that the alerts are still there sometimes, but the distance between the two managers is quite good,” the Frenchman said.

“You have to sprint nearly to have a go at each other.”

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