Arsenal star Jack Wilshere WILL be fit for Euro 2016, insists Arsene Wenger as he backs midfielder for England place

Arsene Wenger has confirmed Jack Wilshere will be fit for Euro 2016 but insists he will be cautious with his midfielder's return.

Sportsmail revealed this week that Wilshere, who has returned to full training, will be fit for Euro 2016, news confirmed by Wenger.

But the Arsenal manager will not rush his midfielder back, despite his positive progress.

Jack Wilshere was back in full training on Friday, and Arsene Wenger says he will be fit for Euro 2016

Wilshere passes the ball away from Alexis Sanchez as he trains ahead of a much-anticipated return to action

Wilshere could feature in an Under 21 game next Friday as he steps up his recovery from a broken leg

The England international tackles youth player Chris Willock during Friday's training session

Theo Walcott welcomes his club and international colleague back to training with an arm around the shoulders

Wenger insists he will not rush the England midfielder back, but he is making positive progress

Goalkeeper Petr Cech was also back in training with Arsenal on Friday, ahead of a game against Watford

Wilshere has not played a competitive game since England's 3-2 win over Slovenia last June

Wenger though has given England boss Roy Hodgson his blessing to select Wilshere for the European Championship.

'I'll be cautious with him now but he will be back fully competitive in a few weeks,' Wenger said in his press conference on Friday.

'Once he will be completely fit and competitive he will be available for Arsenal and the national team. Why not?

'Your players want to compete at the top level and Jack is frustrated enough so it's important for him to go to the Euros and get that confidence.'

The midfielder scored twice that day but has not featured in 2015-16 after breaking his leg during pre-season

Mesut Ozil was back in training with the Gunners after the international break as they prepared for Watford

Ozil was one of several Gunners stars who played in the week, but Wenger said all of them came back fit

Wilshere, pictured in action against Wolfsburg in pre-season, is expected to be fully fit for Euro 2016

Wenger is happy for Wilshere to play at the European Championship if he proves his fitness

Asked if it would be a gamble to take Wilshere to France, Wenger said: 'If he is fit, no.' 

Wilshere could feature in an Under 21 game next Friday as he steps up his recovery from a broken leg.

Meanwhile, Santi Cazorla has resumed running as he works his way back from a serious knee injury.

The Spaniard has been out since December with a knee ligament injury and was expected back by the start of April.

'All the players came back in good shape from the international break,' Wenger said.

Santi Cazorla, pictured in action against Olympiacos in September, is a few weeks away from full fitness 

Petr Cech is back in training but Wenger is yet to decide whether his No 1 goalkeeper will face Watford

'Petr Cech will join in training today. I haven't decided if he will be in the squad for tomorrow.

'Wilshere and Rosicky are back in training. Cazorla has started to run but is a few weeks away.'

Wenger also confirmed that Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will be fit for the European Championship as he continues his recovery from a knee injury suffered against Barcelona in February.

'He should be available, no special concerns. [He is] three to four weeks away,' Wenger added.

The Gunners take on Watford at the Emirates on Saturday as they look to claw themselves back into the title race and within eight points of surprise leaders Leicester.

'The target is to win the games. Let's be pragmatic. It starts tomorrow (against Watford),' said Wenger.

Danny Welbeck rounds Everton goalkeeper Joel Robles to score his side's opening goal at Goodison Park

The Gunners find themselves third in the table, 11 points behind leaders Leicester with eight games to play

'[79 points] could be enough but it depends on the results of Leicester. Nobody knows how they will respond in their last games.'

'I don't know (how many teams are in the title race). Everybody doubts us so for the teams behind us it's even more difficult.

'Leicester at the moment is in a very strong position but they can still lose it. But we have to perform.

'I think the supporters have to get united and be behind the team. My individual case is less important.

'This club has values and one of them is that we respect our contract and work for the club so that shouldn't be a surprise.'