Injured Jack Wilshere 'gutted' to miss out on European Championship spot

England and Arsenal midfielder is still recovering from a stress-fracture.

Jack Wilshere, left, seen here in an England shirt, has been out of action for nearly an entire season.

LONDON // Jack Wilshere, the Arsenal midfielder, today said he was "devastated" after his long-term injury ruled him out of contention for England's European Championship squad.

Wilshere, regarded as the great hope of English football, has missed the entire domestic campaign after suffering a stress fracture during pre-season.

The 20 year old had been hoping to return earlier this year but suffered a setback during his rehabilitation that has effectively ended his hopes of playing in Poland and Ukraine in June.

Arsene Wenger, the Arsenal manager, has also said there is no chance of Wilshere featuring in Britain's Olympic football team.

"Gutted, sad, devastated – its been a test mentally for me this season and it will continue to be tough until I am back out on the pitch," Wilshere wrote on his Twitter page.

"My ankle is good, I just have a few niggles and having been out so long I will not be fit enough for the Euro's!

"I hope England can do well and bring home the cup! I will be watching and cheering the boys on like a proper england fan!"

"The hardest thing is being away from the game that I love and not being to able to help my team mates get 3rd place! I will be in all summer.

"Trying to get fit so I can help the team next season! No holidays, I just want to play and show AFC fans what I can do!"

Wenger confirmed Wilshere would not play this season following Arsenal's 2-1 loss at home to Wigan yesterday.

"Jack Wilshere will not play again this season and will not go to the Euros, that is for sure," Wenger said, adding that he was making slow progress but was not yet ready to train.

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