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Wilshere picks up latest injury, will miss Netherlands match

Simon Cooper - PA Images / PA Images / Getty

Death, taxes, and an injury for Jack Wilshere.

Sadly, few things in English football are as certain as another fitness issue for the Arsenal midfielder, and that's exactly what Wilshere has been hampered by ahead of the Three Lions' international friendly with the Netherlands on Friday.

England manager Gareth Southgate confirmed Thursday the player picked up a knee injury in training and did not travel to Amsterdam with the rest of the team.

"Jack felt some tendinopathy in his knee but nothing too serious," Southgate told reporters, courtesy of the Press Association's Simon Peach. "There's a good chance he's with us on Saturday. We're hopeful (he will play against Italy on Tuesday).

"He was disappointed to have to pull out of training. But it is something he has managed over a long period of time. It's not something new for him. He's trained well with us this week... he's progressing really well," Southgate added.

Wilshere, 26, has endured a first-team career rife with notable ailments but has returned to form this season with Arsenal after a shock season-long loan to Bournemouth last year ended with a leg break versus Tottenham.

The 34-cap England international has made 31 appearances for the Gunners this season in all competitions, including a stellar 13-match spell earlier in the calendar year. Wilshere's recall to the England squad came after Southgate warned he had not played enough during the start of the season to merit a spot.

Wilshere has not featured for England since the Euro 2016 last-16 exit against Iceland.

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