Arsenal hero Paul Merson has welcomed Jack Wilshere's return from serious injury.

Merson wrote in the Daily Star: "Jack Wilshere coming back will seem like Arsenal have just gone out and signed a new £30m player.

"But, even without him, they are serious title contenders for me this season - and I reckon they will prove it against Chelsea today.

"Wilshere won't be playing as he's not ready yet, but he's going to play for the reserves next week for the first time in 15 months and that's massive for Arsenal.

"He's a great player who can really make a difference to them. The danger is that he won't be the same player after being out so long."