Arsenal's Wilshere needs ankle surgery

London, England – Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere will have surgery on his right ankle Monday that will sideline the England international for "months," the Premier League club announced Friday.

Wilshere, 19, has a stress fracture that Arsenal wanted to let heal on its own to avoid surgery. But he has yet to play this season, and with him already out until November, surgery is now needed as the injury has not responded to rest.

"We have given Jack time to heal naturally which is important wherever possible with a young player," an Arsenal spokesman said. "The latest scans show surgery is needed."

Arsenal posted on its website "Wilshere is now expected to be out for a period of months. Following surgery these timescales will become more specific."