Arsenal transfer news: Jack Wilshere CANNOT be recalled from season-long loan spell at Bournemouth despite Gunners having NO fit central midfielders
Aaron Ramsey limped out of Watford loss tonight with Xhaka, Elneny, Cazorla and Coquelin all out
ARSENAL boss Arsene Wenger CANNOT recall Jack Wilshere from his season-long loan at Bournemouth, SunSport can reveal.
The Gunners have been left without a single fit central midfielder after Aaron Ramsey limped out of tonight's 2-1 loss at home to Watford.
Francis Coquelin is also suffering from a hamstring problem, Granit Xhaka is suspended for four-matches and Mohamed Elneny is away at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Santi Cazorla is also missing for an indefinite amount of time after having surgery in Sweden on a chronic Achilles problem before Christmas.
Wenger would be desperate to recall Wilshere from his spell at Bournemouth, where he is having a fine season and has had a regular run of games.
But SunSport understands a clause was NOT put into the deal to allow him to be recalled back to the Emirates when he joined the Cherries.
Arsenal's title challenge suffered a shocking blow tonight after a surprise defeat to Watford, leaving them nine points behind leaders Chelsea.
Wenger takes his side to Stamford Bridge in Saturday's earlier kick-off with just Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain able to fill a central midfield role.
Gunners supporters will be furious with the revelation that Wilshere cannot return for what is a must-win match.