By Chris Harris
Jack Wilshere expects to be firing on all cylinders by Christmas.
The 20-year-old made his long-awaited comeback from injury against Queens Park Rangers in October and now has five first-team appearances under his belt as well as a smartly-taken goal against Montpellier.
Arsène Wenger has been encouraged by Wilshere's ability to "absorb games" since his 17-month lay-off and the midfielder believes he is edging towards his best form.
"I had never been injured, so how long it will take for me to come back is hard [to say], but I feel good," Wilshere told Arsenal Player.
"On Wednesday night [against Montpellier] we started the game off sloppily, and I was one of those who kept giving the ball away. That’s tough when you come back and start badly in a game. But we’ve got great players here and they keep you going.
"Percentage-wise, I’m probably 80 to 85. I’m feeling better and better with every game and I think I heard the boss say at Christmas you’ll see me back to my best. I think that’s probably a reasonable timescale."
Wilshere has already faced Manchester United and Tottenham since returning to the first-team fold and he wouldn't have it any other way.
"It doesn’t get any tougher than that - Man United away and then Tottenham at home - but they’re the games that I want to be involved in," he said.
"That’s the Premier League. You’re not going to have an easy game in the Premier League, even if you play the so-called lesser teams. They’re never easy. The Premier League is known for its intensity and that’s the same throughout all the teams.
"The quality might get a bit better and the games might get a bit tougher and you get a few more nerves but the boss showed faith in me. I needed games under my belt and he gave me them, so I’m thankful for that."
Watch the full interview with Jack on Arsenal Player
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