Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere has admitted that his return to training has been physically challenging but insists he will be ready for the start of the Premier League season.
The England international, speaking for the first time since tabloid photographs emerged of him drinking and smoking during a holiday in Las Vegas, found his first session back with the Gunners “tough”.
His commitment to retaining full fitness at the highest level of the game is under intense scrutiny in light of the pictures and his message on Twitter was met with a string of negative comments questioning his desire to be a top footballer.
Wilshere said: “First day back was tough, not going to lie! #WilshWillBeReady.”
The 22-year-old also hailed team-mate Theo Walcott’s ongoing rehabilitation work ahead of the new campaign.
Wideman Walcott has not played since the start of the year, when he suffered a serious knee injury in the derby victory over Tottenham Hotspur.
The ailment ruled him out of the World Cup in Brazil but he has reported for duty at Arsenal’s training ground, where he will embark on the next phase of his comeback.
Referring to his colleague, Wilshere added: “Look who’s back in his boots! #TJW #29Days.”