Source: Daily_Mail
Stuart Pearce hits out at Arsene Wenger over Jack Wilshere U-turn
ShareEngland Under 21 manager Stuart Pearce has questioned why Arsene Wenger did not rest Jack Wilshere during the Barclays Premier League run-in if the Arsenal boss was so concerned about him suffering burnout. [LNB]Wilshere this week controversially withdrew from Pearce's squad for next month's European Under 21 Championships after becoming convinced he was risking injury by extending what has already been a 53-game season.[LNB] Thanks, but no thanks: Wilshere has turned down the chance to represent England this summer[LNB] It represented a dramatic U-turn from the Gunners midfielder, who had repeatedly declared his intention to play at the finals in Denmark.[LNB] It was also a major blow and an embarrassment for Pearce, who had been adamant when naming Wilshere in his 40-man provisional squad earlier this month that the 19-year-old would travel. [LNB]Wilshere changed his mind after being shown statistics by Arsenal's medical department which indicated he was becoming fatigued. [LNB]But Pearce said: 'I would say that every player at this stage of the season would be reasonably tired.[LNB] Breakthrough year: The Arsenal midfielder has played over 50 games for the Gunners this season [LNB]'I'm talking about Spanish internationals, who we have to face, Czech internationals, who we have to face. [LNB]'Across the board at the end of a long season, players are more susceptible maybe to injury. [LNB]One eye on the future: Wilshere is keen to give his body a rest [LNB]'One thing's for sure - Arsenal have not left him out of the side in the last six weeks of the season, even though the stats have said he's in red zone.' [LNB]Pearce otherwise refused to be drawn into a club-versus-country row, rejecting the suggestion Wilshere had been frightened into pulling out by his club. [LNB]'I think Jack's got his own mind,' said the former England left-back, who also insisted he had not been angered or hurt by the teenager's U-turn. [LNB]Pearce delayed naming his 23-man squad until after Sunday's final round of Barclays Premier League games, which saw Arsenal finish fourth, forcing them to play a qualifying round to get into the Champions League group stage. [LNB]He played down the impact the Gunners' earlier start to next season might have had on Wilshere's decision. [LNB]'Arsene didn't want him to go full stop,' he said, also insisting it would not upset him to see Wilshere play a full part in his club's summer tour of Asia. [LNB]'What he does with Arsenal next season is irrelevant to me.'[LNB] Andy Carroll was the other big-name absentee when Pearce announced his final 23 on Monday. The Liverpool striker was ruled out through injury but there have been question marks over his commitment to Under-21 football.[LNB] Pearce was reluctant to speak at length on Carroll, saying only: 'I've not got a problem with any of the players with the Under-21s.'[LNB] Pearce suffered another blow today when another player with senior experience, Micah Richards, withdrew from the squad due to a hamstring problem. Manchester City right-back Richards reportedly had been earmarked as captain. [LNB]Pearce said: 'We felt it was too much of a risk to wheel him out, with the possibility of it breaking down again. 'It wouldn't be fair on another player that would be fully fit.'[LNB] He added: 'He's a big member of the Under-21 party. 'He played in the final, obviously, two years ago. He'll be a big miss for us. [LNB]'For me, at this stage, it's all about the 23 that are fit, available and ready to come and contribute.' [LNB] England Under 21s dealt another blow as Richards follows Wilshere outMartin Samuel: Wilshere and Carroll too tired to play? Oh, do give it a restI'm alright, Jack! Henderson ready to put body on the line for U21sJack's tired out! Arsenal star says he's too exhausted for Under 21 finals Explore more:People: Jack Wilshere, Stuart Pearce, Andy Carroll Places: Liverpool, United Kingdom, Denmark, Asia
