Jack Wilshere will be training again in January, and playing again in February

Jack Wilshere is aiming to return from injury in time for Arsenal’s Champions League trip to the San Siro to face Italian giants AC Milan.

The Gunners midfielder has not kicked a ball this season and had surgery in September on the ankle that he injured while on England duty in June.

However, Arsene Wenger has confirmed that the player is on track to return to light training in the new year, and that he could be in contention for the resumption of the Champions League when Arsenal travel to Milan on February 15.

“He had a very important scan and that was very, very good, exceptionally good,” said Wenger. “The news we have for Jack is very positive. We will respect the delays but count maybe mid-February for Jack.”

Wilshere himself said on Twitter: “I can confirm what the boss said that I had an exceptionally good scan and I can now step up my rehab and start jogging.”

Wenger admitted that he would have preferred Arsenal to face the Italian champions and seven times European Cup winners Milan “one round later”, but is confident his side can repeat their 2-0 aggregate success at the same last 16 stage in 2008.

“We have good memories at San Siro,” admitted Wenger. “Ideally, it is a draw for one round later but you take them when they happen.

“Let’s make sure we continue to improve until February. Then we can take our chance with full belief.”