Jack Wilshere to miss Arsenal's game with Bournemouth after sprained ankle

Wilshere hobbled off while captaining the Gunners against Chelsea on Wednesday night

Wenger hopes Wilshere will be back for the return leg (Getty)

Jack Wilshere will miss Arsenal’s trip to Bournemouth on Sunday after twisting his ankle during Wednesday’s 0-0 draw with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Wilshere, who was captaining Arsenal for the evening, was injured early in the second half after blocking a shot by Danny Drinkwater. He received treatment, tried to play on, but was soon taken off. He emerged to watch the rest of the game with ice on his ankle.

Speaking in his post-match press conference, Wenger confirmed that it was not a bad injury for Wilshere, but that he was unlikely to make the trip to the Vitality Stadium this weekend.

“He has an ankle sprain, it was by blocking the shot that turned his ankle” Wenger said. “The first look at it was not too bad. But of course for Sunday I think he will be short. How long he will be out, I don’t know.”

Arsenal now hope that they will have Wilshere back for the game with Crystal Palace on 20 January, and if not, for the second leg at the Emirates on Wednesday 24 January.

Wilshere has been in excellent form recently, forcing his way back into the Premier League team and establishing himself as Arsenal’s best central midfielder for the first time in years. He has now started 14 games in all competitions this season and looks closer to his best form.

“It’s a shame to lose him when he’s in such a good form,” Wenger said. “It’s his good ankle so I’m quite positive.”