Daniel Agger on Jack Wilshere tackle: It was 50-50

Jack Wilshere is out for at least six weeks after Daniel Agger’s tackle

Liverpool defender Daniel Agger has defended himself over the tackle that gave Jack Wilshere a hairline fracture of the foot.

The tackle happened during England’s 1-0 friendly win over Denmark on Wednesday and Agger caught Wilshere’s left foot in a challenge that saw him receive treatment. Wilshere was happy to carry on, though, unaware of any injury and claimed after the match that he was fine.

However, more tests at Arsenal’s training ground on Thursday revealed he had a hairline fracture of his foot and will miss the next six weeks. It is a huge blow to the Gunners who have tough run of fixtures coming up that the Englishman will now miss.

“It was 50-50. You have to go for those challenges,” Agger said.

“I was going for the ball and I think I got the ball, but the referee didn’t.”

England boss Roy Hodgson absolved Agger of any blame for the injury and admitted he felt sorry for Wilshere.

“It’s always sad when you have a player come from a club, use him on international duty and he gets an injury,” noted Hodgson.

“It’s very sad and disappointing for Jack and Arsenal but unfortunately these things happen.

“It was an honest challenge but he took a nasty kick and I can only hope he recovers as early as possible.”