BREAKING NEWS: Wenger urges Wilshere to be patient as he steps up Arsenal comeback

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has insisted he will continue to take precautions in easing Jack Wilshere back into first-team action but admitted the midfielder is doing well in his rehabilitation.

The 20-year-old has endured a torrid spell on the sidelines since suffering an ankle injury in a pre-season friendly against the New York Red Bulls in 2011.

He had been hopeful of making a return to the squad in January of this year, but experienced the first of several set-backs, with a stress fracture to the heel that ruled him out of the season entirely.

Wilshere was then blighted by a minor knee problem in April which has kept him out of action until now but having made his competitive come back in an under-21's match against West Brom this week, Arsenal fans are hopeful of seeing their midfield maestro play in the first team imminently.

But Wenger has urged his young talent to remain patient in his rehabilitation, with the midfielder set to make another under-21 appearance next week.

The Frenchman told the club's official website: "He is doing very well but we need to be patient. He needs a progressive build-up."

Another injury concern for the Gunners has been first choice goalkeeper, Wojciech Szczesny.

The Polish stopper has been out of action since September's 6-1 thrashing of Southampton, when he picked up an ankle injury.

And Wenger has now admitted the 22-year-old is set to continue his spell on the sidelines with Vito Mannone continuing his run as the Pole's deputy.

"He is two to three weeks away from practising normally," Wenger continued.

"It takes five or six weeks to heal."