In a time when his team’s title challenge is looking in danger of going off the track, Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has admitted that he could use Jack Wilshere in Arsenal’s depleted midfield at the moment. However, the French tactician has justified his decision of sending the England international on a season-long loan to Bournemouth – without inserting a recall clause.

Currently fifth in the Premier League, 8 points shy of leaders Chelsea, the Gunners are missing the services of their midfielders Santi Cazorla, Francis Coquelin and Mesut Özil due to injuries and illness while Mohamed Elneny has left for the Africa Cup of Nations with Egypt.

On the other hand, Wilshere has impressed everyone with his displays and fitness while playing for the Cherries. The 25-year old has played in 17 of Bournemouth’s 20 league games so far.

And Wenger has now admitted that the midfielder could have played a part at this time when he is short on midfielders.

“Yes, I could use Wilshere now,” Wenger said.

“What looks unfair at some moment in the season is that you know at some stage you could need the player. But even at the start, you need to have the right balance between competition and numbers and chances for the player to play. And still today I think it was the right decision for him to go,” he added.

Wenger also revealed that he is keen to hand Santi Cazorla and Per Mertesacker new contracts. Both the players are currently sidelined due to injuries but Wenger said that the injuries would not play a role in the new contracts.

He said:“No. We have an option on both of them and I think we will take it.

“For their qualities as football players firstly but as well for their mental guidance. We need to have a balance between youth and experience. They are important in that.”

Meanwhile, the Gunners will be looking to get back to winning ways when they take on Preston in the third round of FA Cup on Saturday.