Arsenal vs Galatasaray: Jack Wilshere hands Gunners timely boost ahead of Champions League clash as he trains despite ankle injury

Wilshere picked up a knock in the 1-1 draw with Tottenham but appeared to be ready for Wednesday's match as he trained with the rest of the squad

Jack Wilshere (Getty Images)

Jack Wilshere handed Arsenal a major boost ahead of their Champions League tie against Galatasaray on Wednesday as he took part in training on the eve of the crucial encounter at the Emirates.

LIVE: The latest Arsenal vs Galatasaray score

The Gunners are looking to bounce back from the 2-0 defeat at Borussia Dortmund a fortnight ago, the first time they’ve lost their opening Champions League group match under Arsene Wenger, but they were facing a major injury crisis after suffering a number of injuries in the opening month of the season.

Arsenal will still be without Aaron Ramsey and Mikel Arteta after they suffered hamstring and calf injuries respectively in the 1-1 North London derby draw on Saturday. Wilshere was another injury concern after he went down following a challenge clutching his ankle, but his appearance on Tuesday at Arsenal’s London Colney training base will be a welcome sight for all Gunners’ fans.

Wilshere’s history with ankle injuries has significantly hampered his development over the last three years, and there remains the fear that his style of possession football leaves him exposed to picking up regular injuries.

With Wilshere fit, he could partner Mathieu Flamini in central midfield, which would allow Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to remain in the advanced attacking midfield trio with the likes of Alexis Sanchez, Mesut Özil and Santi Cazorla also in contention to start the match at the Emirates.

Arsenal already need a victory if they are to challenge for top spot in Group D, with main rivals Dortmund already stealing a march on Wenger’s side with their comfortable victory at the Westfalenstadion. Defeat against Galatasaray tomorrow night simply isn’t an option, as it would open the door for either the Turkish side or Anderlecht to press their claims for progression to the last-16 at the Gunners’ expense.

Wilshere's availability will be a huge boost to Arsenal (Getty Images)

There was further good news for the North London club today as reports emerged claiming both Olivier Giroud and Arteta are ready to sign contract extensions with the club.