Arsene Wenger said tonight that Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain could miss the FA Cup final with a groin problem and could offer no guarantees on Jack Wilshere’s likely return to action.

Oxlade-Chamberlain was in the stands for the 3-0 win over Newcastle United and although Wenger has no fears about him being fit for the World Cup finals, the midfielder is by no means guaranteed to be ready to face Hull City on 17 May at Wembley.

Wenger said: “He [Oxlade-Chamberlain] has an inflammation of his groin. He couldn't practise. I put him on Friday on the team sheet and played him when he was needed, but it came to a point where it didn't progress. We decided to give him a complete rest for two weeks. Will he be involved with me? I think he has a chance. But will he be ready for England? I think so.”

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As for Wilshere, who broke a navicular bone in his left foot playing for England eight weeks’ ago on Wednesday, there was no date set yet, Wenger said, for his return. He said: “Jack is training already. When will he be ready? Honestly I cannot tell you exactly. Next week or the week after... at the moment the progress he's making is good.”

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