Football
Mattias Karen, Arsenal correspondent 6y

Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere eyes more playing time after Cologne start

Jack Wilshere has indicated that his Arsenal future could depend on whether he gets more playing time.

Wilshere made his sixth start of the season in Thursday's 1-0 Europa League defeat at Cologne, but has made only two substitute appearances in the Premier League.

His contract runs out next summer, and Arsenal are expected to decide next month whether to offer him an extension.

And speaking after the Cologne game, Wilshere told reporters: "Of course I want to be playing. It's difficult when you play every three weeks.

"It's the same as every player. I'm still determined to win my place back, I'm working hard and we'll see what the future holds -- if I can get in or I can't."

Wilshere could get his chance in the Premier League during a packed fixture schedule leading up to the holiday season.

Manager Arsene Wenger has rotated his squad in cup games so far, and could be tempted to rest some regular starters in midweek league games against Huddersfield and West Ham.

Wilshere has been one of Arsenal's best players in the Europa League as the Gunners clinched top spot in their group despite Thursday's loss.

Wilshere said: "We thought we were in control in the first half [against Cologne] -- we felt like they wanted to sit back and then hurt us on the counter-attack.

"I felt we dealt with that well in the first half but then they came out in the second half, they were sharp, we were trying to push.

"A little lapse in concentration and they get the goal, and then it's difficult from then."

Meanwhile, Arsenal will recall a host of first-team regulars for Sunday's trip to Burnley.

Wenger made 11 changes at Cologne, but his side at Turf Moor is likely to resemble that which beat North London rivals Tottenham at the Emirates Stadium last weekend.

Star names including Petr Cech, Alexis Sanchez, Mesut Ozil, Theo Walcott and Alexandre Lacazette are among those in line to return.

Information from the Press Association was used in this report

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