Last Updated: Fri, 08 Feb 2013 16:47
Arsene Wenger has warned Jack Wilshere runs the risk of burnout if his duties for both club and country are not carefully managed.
Wilshere, 21, returned from more than a year out injured in October but is already being heralded as an integral part of England's future following his man-of-the-match display in the 2-1 win over Brazil at Wembley on Wednesday night.
Wenger knows the progress of the combative midfielder must be carefully handled if both Arsenal and England are to see the best of the player over the long term.
"It is not just the physical aspect, but the mental pressure every time he plays. We will have to manage him well physically to make sure he doesn't face that burnout," said Wenger, whose side resume Barclays Premier League action at Sunderland on Saturday.
"I had in fact expected Jack to play only a part of the game on Wednesday, but it didn't happen and because of his quality he will be exposed to that, the overuse of his quality, and you can understand that.
"He will have to be managed like everyone else.
"Let's not forget that he is only 21 now, and he starts his career really because he was out for 17 months.
"The influence he has today on the England national team already is absolutely fantastic."
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