West Ham fear Jack Wilshere's debut season at the London Stadium could be over as he struggles to overcome a persistent ankle problem.

The one-time England international was signed as the emblem of a new era last summer, arriving on a free transfer from Arsenal, but he has endured a campaign of total frustration and barely featured for Manuel Pellegrini.

Wilshere, who played in West Ham's first four matches, underwent surgery in September to correct a problem in his left ankle.

West Ham are fearful that Jack Wilshere's season could be over due to an ankle problem

It took time for the 27-year-old to overcome the issue but he returned and came off the bench for five minutes in the 3-0 at Newcastle on December 1.

That, though, remains his last action. He complained of a problem in his right ankle after playing at St James' Park and he has been undergoing treatment for the past two months, closely monitored by the club's head of medicine Richard Collinge, as they wait for the issue to settle down.

There is no indication, at this stage, whether Wilshere requires more surgery.

An optimistic timescale for ex-Arsenal man Wilshere to return is between six to eight weeks

Sportsmail understands an optimistic timescale for Wilshere to return would be between six and eight weeks but there are increasing concerns that the sum total of his contribution to the campaign will be the 339 minutes he has played so far.

This is situation is far removed from what Wilshere envisaged when he left Arsenal. A number of serious injuries punctured his time in North London and it was hoped that a switch across town would be the catalyst for a revival but his first four appearances all ended in defeat.

Wilshere has been a high-profile absentee but there have been several other problems with which West Ham's medical staff have had to contend. Manuel Lanzini, another key midfielder, will not play again this season while it is unlikely Andriy Yamolenko will figure either.