Wilshere gets stuck in for Arsenal but Monreal injury deals Wenger fresh blow

By Sami Mokbel

PUBLISHED: 16:00 EST, 22 July 2013 | UPDATED: 16:49 EST, 22 July 2013

You would have forgiven Arsene Wenger for feeling a little agitated during Monday's friendly against Nagoya Grampus given the way Jack Wilshere was throwing himself around.

Wilshere loves a tackle, but in a pre-season friendly, in only his second appearance since ankle surgery?

'I went into a few tackles, but if you don't go in properly you can hurt yourself,' said the England midfielder.

'So I had to go into a couple of challenges. That's my game. I can't ever lose that or I wouldn't be the player I am.

'My ankle is fine. Obviously a game is different from training, so I've had a few aches and pains in other places, but the ankle is fine.'

That will be music to Wenger's ears after a 3-1 win, courtesy of goals from Olivier Giroud, Ryo Miyaichi and Theo Walcott.

Wilshere, 21, followed up a 25-minute cameo in Vietnam on Thursday with 45 minutes against Wenger's former side and looks on course to be fit for the opening-day clash against Aston Villa.

However, left back Nacho Monreal is set to miss the start of the season with a back injury.

The Spain international had been given time off after the Confederations Cup by Wenger, but now faces a spell on the sidelines.

Monreal joins Thomas Vermaelen, who is out for three months with a back problem, on the injured list while Laurent Koscielny (ankle), Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (thigh) and Wojciech Szczesny (back) all missed Monday's game.

Wenger said Monreal's injury posed a problem at left back, following the sale of Andre Santos.

'He's had an injection and it looks like he will miss the start of the season,' said Wenger. 'Vermaelen can play there, but he is injured. Monreal can play there, he is injured.

'At the moment we only have Kieran Gibbs who can play at left back.'

Wenger also flatly denied reports that Arsenal are about to sign Brazil midfielder Bernard for £21million from Atletico Mineiro.

When asked about the potential swoop for the Brazil international, who is also on Tottenham's radar, Wenger said: 'That is not true.'