Posted by By P. S. at 12 June, at 09 : 16 AM Print

Stuart Pearce has finally had a change of heart as he omits injured English midfielder Jack Wilshere from his 35 man squad for the London summer Olympics.

The 20 year old Arsenal midfielder suffered an ankle stress fracture injury during the pre-season of 2011-12 and had to undergo surgery, which inevitably ruled him out for five months. The talented midfielder had a few setbacks to that ankle problem this January and had to sit out for the remainder of the season as well as the Euro finals.

Arsene Wenger has been adamant on not letting Wilshere participate in the Olympics stating that the player needed ample rest during the summer to fully recover from the ankle injury. The decision sparked off a verbal duel between Wenger and Pearce, the latter even threatened to move court if Wilshere is not released by the club. According to FIFA rules, if any under 23 player is selected for the Olympics their club is bound to release them.

However, after naming the England international in the 80-man list it seems Pearce has finally had a major climbdown in his stance by leaving out the player in his latest 35 man squad. This will come as great news for Arsene Wenger who has insisted that the player needs rest to be fully fit for the start of next season.

Meanwhile, David Beckham is set to feature in the Olympic squad after the LA Galaxy star was named in the 35 man list by Pearce. The final squad for the Olympics will be announced on July 6^th.

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Euro 2012 arsenal, arsene wenger, injury news, Jack Wilshere, olympics 2012, stuart pearce