Jack Wilshere has taken a significant step forward in his race to be fit for the World Cup.

The midfielder, 22, is recovering from a hairline fracture to his left foot sustained in a hefty challenge with Liverpool defender Daniel Agger in England’s win over Denmark earlier this month.

It was feared the injury could rule Wilshere out of Arsenal’s season finale and Brazil 2014.

Setback: Jack Wilshere was injured whilst on England duty following a tackle from Dennmark's Daniel Agger

Painful: Jack Wilshere suffered a hairline fracture to his left foot following Agger's hefty challenge

Boost: Jack Wilshere is on course to return the Arsenal first-team before the end of the season

But he has begun gym work at the club's London Colney HQ and looks on course to play again before the end of the season.

He is mainly having cardio-vascular sessions - working on his fitness on the treadmill, exercise bike and core strength routines.

Despite the progress, Arsenal's medical team are taking a cautious approach to Wilshere's recovery plan, given his track record of injuries. The club are allowing him days off during the week if they feel it is beneficial to his recovery.

Arsenal staff are keeping an open mind on when he is able to start working with a ball. But it is understood the earliest he could return to action is against Newcastle on April 28.

The news will come as a boost to boss Arsene Wenger, who has seen his squad depleted by injuries to key players in recent weeks.

Likewise, England manager Roy Hodgson will be encouraged by Wilshere's progress.

Fitness permitting, he is almost certain to be part of Hodgson's squad to travel to Brazil this summer.

Timely: Arsene Wenger has seen is squad depleted by injuries to key players in recent weeks

Boost: England manager Roy Hodgson will be encouraged by Wilshere's progress ahead of the World Cup

Fellow Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey, 23, could return to full training at the end of next week. The Wales international has not played since Boxing Day due to a thigh injury sustained in the win over West Ham.

Ramsey had a setback  in his recovery which delayed his  comeback. But he could return to full training next week, which may give him a chance of being fit for the FA Cup semi-final against Wigan on April 12.

'Ramsey is progressing well. We must be patient for a few more weeks,' Wenger said on Thursday.

Progress: Gunners midfielder Aaron Ramsey could return to full training next week after injuring his thigh against West Ham on Boxing Day