Jack is on his way back!

%image(15550527, type="article-full", alt="What goes into the perfect pitch at the Emirates? Arsenal fans were recently invited via Twitter to "go behind the scenes" ahead of Monday's game. Photo courtesy of @Arsenal")

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger told media at this morning’s (Friday) press conference, at the team’s training grounds in London Colney, that injured talented midfielder Jack Wilshere, of Harpenden, is “progressing well”.

However Arsene himself is struggling with his health, as a sore throat resulted in many a croaky response to journalists.

He joked: “I’m sorry, [but] I wasn’t at a concert last night.”

Arsenal takes on Newcastle United on Monday (28) at the Emirates Stadium.

And following the Gunners’ 3-0 drubbing of Hull City, Arsene said his team’s confidence has increased.

Asked about Mikel Arteta, who lost a tooth during play but gained plenty of ribbing from team-mates afterwards, Arsene praised the midfielder, describing him as having “quality, focus and commitment”.

Jack is understood to be hoping to be back for the last two league games, possibly for the rescheduled home game against West Brom, on May 4.

He recently tweeted about his ability to wear football boots again while recovering with a broken bone in his left foot.

Arsenal’s boss was also grilled about the unceremonious dumping of his counterpart at Manchester United, David Moyes.

Arsene admitted he was “sad” about the way in which he was sacked.

He added: “I wish him well and I think it’s just part of the modern game now. There is no time for people to do their job, and it is a big threat for our game.”

Arsene said he was surprised about the manner in which the sacking was handled, saying “managers should be informed first”.

Looking ahead to Monday’s game, he echoed Newcastle’s warnings to fans about likely public transport problems.

The National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) has announced a 48-hour strike involving their members working for London Underground.

If the strike goes ahead, it will affect supporters from both sides travelling to the Premier League fixture at Arsenal on Monday.

Strike action could start at around 9pm on Monday and continue throughout the whole of Tuesday.

Newcastle has advised its supporters that as Tube services may be affected at stations around the Emirates Stadium before kick-off, they are strongly urged to find other means of transport for their homebound journeys following the match, as it is unlikely that there will be any Tube services in operation.

The team tweeted recently that injured midfielder Moussa Sissoko is back in training ahead of Monday night’s game.

• Arsenal plays Newcastle United at Emirates Stadium Monday April 28, 8pm.