Jack Wilshere's participation at Euro 2012 was thrown into serious doubt today after it emerged the midfielder has suffered a second stress fracture in his right ankle.
Arsenal confirmed on Friday that the 20-year-old had broken down in training as he attempted to step up his recovery following surgery in September.
Wilshere had originally hoped to return at the end of this month but he felt pain in his ankle when running last Tuesday and was consequently sent for further assessment.
Initial scans have revealed a complication thought to be a second fracture in a different area to where the original surgery took place.
The midfielder will see a number of specialists over the next fortnight to fully determine the extent of the injury and Standard Sport understands that the club's medical staff have not yet ruled him out for the season.
The Gunners remain hopeful that he will play some part this season but the time frame for Wilshere to prove his match fitness and form for Euro 2012 is considerably reduced.
It remains to be seen whether England manager Fabio Capello would gamble on including a half-fit Wilshere in his squad but Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger would resist the temptation to rush him back earlier than advised.
Wenger, who will not comment until after tonight's clash at Bolton, is expected to confirm Wilshere requires further tests before his possible involvement this season is made clear.
