Arsenal’s Wilshere to miss Reading trip

Capital One CupTodayLeeds United    vs    Southampton    21:45Reading    vs    ArsenalSunderland    vs    MiddlesbroughSwindon Town    vs    Aston Villa

Monday, October 29, 2012
Jack Wilshere made a successful return to action against QPR on Saturday. Net photo.

Capital One CupTodayLeeds United    vs    Southampton    21:45Reading    vs    ArsenalSunderland    vs    MiddlesbroughSwindon Town    vs    Aston VillaWigan     vs    Bradford CityLONDON - Jack Wilshere’s comeback helped quieten dissent at Arsenal but frustrations will return if Arsene Wenger’s side fail to reach the quarterfinals of the League Cup at Reading on Tuesday.Wilshere had been scheduled to make his return after a 17-month injury absence at the Madejski Stadium but, having unexpectedly started in the 1-0 home victory over Queens Park Rangers on Saturday, he will be rested.Wenger said: "After a game like that, I will certainly not play him on Tuesday. Will I play him (at Manchester United) next week? I don’t know.”Wilshere’s withdrawal will be just one of several changes made by Wenger as the manager rotates his squad.Yet despite the fact the line-up will bear only a passing resemblance to the side that faced QPR, Arsenal’s continuing seven-season trophy drought means that expectations remain high.The competition figured fifth in the list of five targets identified by Wenger at the club’s rancorous AGM last week, trailing behind the Premier League, the Champions League, qualifying for the Champions League and the FA Cup.But for a club that is desperate to reacquire the winning habit, no competition can be treated lightly. The match will provide Andrei Arshavin with the chance to press his claims for more action.