Great news on Wilshere - Wenger

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has been delighted by the latest bulletins on Jack Wilshere as he battles back to fitness following ankle surgery.

Wilshere, 19, went under the knife in September to repair a fracture which had dogged him throughout pre-season. It was a galling setback for the midfielder, who had cemented a first-team place during the 2010/11 campaign.

In his absence, Wenger has enjoyed success with a midfield trio of Alex Song, Mikel Arteta and Aaron Ramsey - and it is not immediately obvious who, if anyone, will make way for Wilshere on his return.

But Wenger is apparently relishing the selection headache that could arise. "He had a very important scan on Thursday and that was very, very good, exceptionally good," he said. "The news we have for Jack is very positive. No [he will not be back sooner than initially expected], we will respect the delays. I count maybe mid-February for Jack."

Meanwhile, Kieran Gibbs is on the verge of returning to action for the first time since October. The news offers a timely boost to Arsenal who, with Andre Santos out until 2012, will play Thomas Vermaelen at left-back against Manchester City on Sunday.

"He is I think one week maximum away. He could be present at Aston Villa or the game after [against Wolves]," Wenger said. "Of course, you want him back and to play."

Wenger also said he will not stand in the way of players - such as Gibbs, Wilshere and Ramsey - who want to play for Team GB at London 2012. "[The FA has] the rules in its favour and we do not have much input in that."