The 21-year-old did not feature in the Gunners’ 7-0 win over Indonesia but his manager has confirmed he was only suffering from the flu and will take part in pre-season as planned

Jack Wilshere will play in Arsenal’s next pre-season friendly and was only suffering from a bout of the flu, according to Arsene Wenger.

The 21-year-old was widely expected to feature in the Gunners’ 7-0 win over Indonesia but did not end up taking part in any form.

However, Wenger has revealed that the England midfielder did not suffer an ankle problem and was simply recovering from illness.

“He had flu,” Wenger told reporters after his side’s victory. “He’s alright now, he will play in the next game, it was not an ankle problem.”

The win saw the Arsenal boss field several academy players, with Chuba Akpom, Kristoffer Olsson and Thomas Eisfeld all hitting the back of the net.

“They [the young players] all did well,” Wenger observed. [Serge] Gnabry is a bit older but Olsson, Gedion [Zelalem], Eisfeld, they did very well when they came on. Chuba Akpom did well, he looked sharp up front.

“I felt we always played with a desire to play the game that we love to play, with a good pace, with good quick passing and good penetrating football.

“We still physically have some work to do but overall it’s a very positive night for us, with no injuries.”

Wenger was also pleased with the contribution of fellow Frenchman Olivier Giroud after the striker came off the bench to score twice and get an assist.

“I like Olivier very much. He had his first year, he scored 17 goals in all competitions and he needed to adapt. I am sure he will be even stronger next season.”