text: Jack Wilshere can be the future of Arsenal’s midfield, but his injury record could turn him into another Abou Diaby, fears club legend Ray Parlour. Wilshere was on the bench against Reading at Wembley on Saturday after five months out through injury. And Parlour believes that the 23-year-old’s fitness record is the one thing holding him back from reaching his undoubted potential. Jack Wilshere, on the bench next to Theo Walcott and Mathieu Flamini, for Arsenal's match against Reading . Wilshere, the England international, is pictured in training for Arsenal earlier this month . ‘I think he’s the future of the club,’ said Parlour. ‘I think if he stays fit, he’s a quality player, there’s no doubt about that. ‘The way he goes past players, the way he links up with people, I definitely think he’s got a big role to play. ‘But again, the big question mark is can he stay fit? Look at Abou Diaby. Diaby’s a terrific player. But look at him, the injuries the last few years. ‘The big burning question is can Wilshere have a full season without being injured for a long period, like he hasn’t had for the last three or four seasons.’ The 23-year-old pictured in action for Arsenal's Under-21s against Reading at the Emirates earlier in April . Wilshere is at the heart of a core of players at the Emirates which has now reached the FA Cup final for the second year in a row, and are approaching maturity as a group. And although the Premier League title may be out of their reach, Parlour believes that Arsene Wenger’s squad, with the right additions, could be ready to finally push for top honours again. ‘What I like about the squad is that they’ve got good youngsters - Oxlade-Chamberlain, Chambers and Bellerin - coming through, but the main nucleus of players are a good age,' added Parlour, talking at the Carlsberg People’s Pundit final. ‘They’re not too old, they’re in their prime now, they’ve got the experience. So those sort of players, people like Ozil, Ramsey, Sanchez, Wilshere if he’s fit, they’ve got that nucleus. Ray Parlour, who won three championships with Arsenal, has backed Wilshere to be the future of the club . ‘It’ll need a couple of big signings, but if they can get them, I’m sure they’ll be a lot closer to Chelsea next season in the Premier League, and in the Champions League they can go the extra couple of rounds and get to the final,' said Parlour, at the Boot Camp stage of The People's Pundit, championed by Carlsberg – the Official Beer of the England team and the Premier League. After months of scouring the country, The People's Pundit has narrowed down its search to five football fans in with a chance of winning their big break on talkSPORT on the last day of the Barclays Premier League season. Those five – a call centre worker, a personal trainer, a sales director, a production runner, and a furniture upholsterer – were put through their paces under the famous Wembley arch by punditry legends Jeff Stelling, Mark Saggers and Ray Parlour in the final race to see who will become The People's Pundit. Parlour, who won three FA Cups under Arsene Wenger, was also full of praise of the Gunners' FA Cup final opponents Aston Villa, and their boss Tim Sherwood. The former Tottenham boss – who grew up an Arsenal fan – has steered Villa away from the relegation dogfight and into their first Cup final for 15 years, and Parlour backed him to be named manager of the season if he triumphs at Wembley. Parlour won the FA Cup under Arsene Wenger three times, including in 2002 when he scored a stunning goal . Frenchman Diaby's promising career has been hit by a host of injuries . ‘I played with him at England, he always a great lad, always had a good football brain on him, and he’s certainly delivering the goods at the moment,’ said Parlour. ‘He’s certainly got something going for him, and I’d be amazed if Villa do go down, with the momentum they’ve got. ‘If he can keep the club up and lead them next season in the Premier League, and if he can win the FA Cup as well, it’s a great season. If they can come fourth from bottom this season, and win the cup, he’s got to be near enough for manager of the year.’ The Carlsberg Fan Squad is all about making football better for fans. That's why If Carlsberg did pundits, they'd probably be fans just like you. To find out more about the People's Pundit finalists, vote for your favourite, and find out which will win their big break on talkSPORT on the last day of the Premier League season, head to ThePeoplesPundit.co.uk #PeoplesPundit. Carlsberg is the official beer of the England team and the Premier League.
target: Jack Wilshere has not played for Arsenal since November after limping off at the Emirates following a tackle from Manchester United's Paddy McNair .
  His career has been plagued by injuries, but former Arsenal midfielder Ray Parlour believes he is the future of the club .
  Parlour also reckons Arsenal can push Chelsea for the title next season .
  READ: Arsenal will help Abou Diaby get back on track, even if he leaves .
  Winterburn: Klopp is perfect for Arsenal but give Wenger is the right man .