Arsene Wenger has launched a staunch defence of Jack Wilshere after the midfielder was caught up in a street brawl in the early hours of Sunday morning.

The Arsenal manager has spoken to the player about the incident - in which police had to intervene between a rowdy group outside Cafe de Paris at 2.15am - but is happy with Wilshere's version of events.

The 24-year-old has not played this season due to a broken leg but will make a return to action for Arsenal's Under 21s on Friday night against Newcastle as he attempts to regain fitness and a place in Roy Hodgson's Euro 2016 squad.

Arsene Wenger (right) has defended Jack Wilshere's dedication to the game and to the north London club

'I've spoken to him,' Wenger said. 'It looks to be taken out of proportion a little bit. These are matters that we like to keep internal. This is a completely private matter. I don't know really what happened.

'You know as well that he can be provoked. It's not easy when you're well known today to go out anywhere, without creating some provocations. I'm a bit cautious. Even if you're well known you have the right sometimes to go out.

'There was no training session the next day. He had a day off. You can accept that sometimes the players go out and when they are free the next day, over the weekend. Overall, what is positive is that he works very, very hard. The news looks quite good. I think he will have a good test tomorrow night.'

This was the latest in a line of public discrepancies involving Wilshere, but Wenger believes the only thing that has held him back is his history of injuries, not his propensity for trouble.

'At the moment I believe he's a real football brain, Jack Wilshere,' the Frenchman added. 'He loves football. He's very serious, very dedicated, I invite you to come in every day to watch him work, you will understand that he's very, very dedicated.

Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere (centre) watches the club's Under 18s side in action on Monday night

WIlshere was back in full training with Arsenal last week and is set to play for the U21s on Friday

The England midfielder, in action last campaign, is yet to play for Arsenal this season because of injury

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'The only thing that could stop him from having the career he can make is injuries. He had the history of his injuries. It's been bad recently. But I hope he can get rid of that and make the career he deserves.'

Wenger also confirmed that young forward Alex Iwobi is in discussions about improved terms.

The 19-year-old has scored two goals in his last two games for Arsenal. He still has four years remaining on his current deal at the club, but Wenger said: 'We are discussing extending his contract at the moment.

'He's a real Arsenal person because he's been here since the age of eight. We want to keep him here for longer. If there have been some positives in the last few months, it's how well and how quickly he's emerged as a player with a good impact.'