Jack Wilshere gives West Ham fans brief update on social media

One of the exciting new players West Ham were able to snatch up this offseason has been missing due to injury in recent weeks. With some time to spare after West Ham’s win over Manchester United, Jack Wilshere provides an update.

Jack Wilshere is down with an injury layoff following a procedure on his ankle to repair a previous injury. The procedure adjusted a pin in the joint that was no longer functioning the way it was supposed. The procedure was routine and concluded as planned according to the surgeon, but Wilshere will still be sidelined for six weeks taking him to the end of November.

Wilshere took to his Instagram story to provide an update to his followers on his current situation his plan moving forward:

"“I have been quiet recently on social media, apart from celebrating my oldest daughters and sons birthday. I don’t want to say its been a tough couple of weeks for me because I know people have it much tougher. But it has ben tough mentaly.But theres a number of reason why i haven’t been as active.1. I am recovering from a very mild ankle procedue and wanted to put all my efforts into getting back to help my team as soon as possible.2. I used this time to spend some time with my beautiful family as i am away quite a lot when fit. Especially my amazin wide who has done everything for me […]3. When your injured, and trust me i no, mentally it is very hard to deal with. Many things are written about you, some nice but mostly bad. Which is fine but certain ex professional i feel should have more respect. Not just for me. For every player. Its easy for people to sit on tv or radio, or even speak in the media and have thier say on players. But when they have been a player themselves they should show more respect.4. How does anyone know what my mental state is, apart from my wife! Or any players mental state.Anyways i hope to be back on the pitch soonBest wishes.”"

And exhale. Wilshere followed up this wall of text by thanking the real Jack Wilshere fans, telling them he loved them and saying he’s off Instagram until he was back playing football. Far from cryptic, Wilshere pretty blatantly sends the message that no one knows him except his family and that speculation needs to be cut out.

Rightfully so, Wilshere adds a dash of humility poking fun at his injury record which allows for this message to come off more level-headed. Nobody knows what it’s like being out injured as Wilshere does so that fact that he acknowledges that is important.

The reality is that Wilshere will miss all of October and most of November as the injury was initially reported to keep him out for six weeks. West Ham’s recent form has allowed for the pressure to be off of Wilshere which is a bonus for him, but also presents a challenge for him when fit again.

Where does Wilshere fit into this team? The formation is new, but it suits Wilshere’s playing style much more than the previous iterations he was a part of. The role Noble and Obiang are currently playing is in the center of the pitch; not committed too far forward or defensively. This is where Wilshere will be most effective, in a balanced role with the freedom to roam about in the middle of the pitch.

Can he get into the team? Likely yes, and at the expense of Obiang. Obiang does a lot of things well but keeps his performances quiet. Noble is the leader, Rice is the future and defensive specialist, so that makes the quiet yet effective Obiang the most probable player to get cut.

Wilshere discusses mental health in his post and he’ll certainly need a certain amount of mental strength ahead of returning from his injury. Despite Pellegrini’s desire to have Wilshere in the team, he’ll have to earn a spot if the team can continue their strong play in his absence. There is nothing left but to rehab and get back on the pitch for Wilshere. He has all the skill to do it when fit he will have the chance to prove it.