Jack Wilshere to undergo surgery and faces three months out

"Due to a slow healing response from a fracture suffered in August, the club can confirm that Jack Wilshere is to undergo an operation to his left fibula," said Arsenal on their official website.

"The decision to intervene has been taken quickly after regular reviews by specialists, who feel that Jack’s scans show that the healing process is not progressing as well as expected.

"Jack will have surgery in London in the forthcoming days. This will involve inserting a small plate in his left fibula. Jack is likely to be out for approximately three months.

"Everyone at the club wishes Jack well with his rehabilitation."

With Arsenal five points behind leaders Manchester City in fourth place after five games, the news will come as a blow to manager Arsene Wenger, but is a bigger setback for Wilshere, who missed six months last season after two ankle operations.

He damaged his ankle last November after being caught late by Manchester United's Paddy McNair in a 2-1 defeat at the Emirates.

Arsenal are already without England forward Danny Welbeck, who is expected to be missing until Christmas after undergoing surgery on his left knee earlier this month.

Wenger is due to speak at a press conference in Croatia later on Tuesday ahead of his side's Champions League opener at Dinamo Zagreb on Wednesday.