Jack Wilshere’s comeback helped quieten dissent at Arsenal but frustrations will return if Arsene Wenger’s side fail to reach the quarter-finals of the League Cup at Reading tonight.

Wilshere had been scheduled to make his return after a 17-month injury absence at the Madejski Stadium but, having unexpectedly started in the 1-0 home victory over QPR on Saturday, he will be rested.

Wenger said: “After a game like that, I will certainly not play him on Tuesday (today). Will I play him (at Manchester United) next week? I don’t know.”

Wilshere’s withdrawal will be just one of several changes made by Wenger. Yet despite the fact the line-up will bear only a passing resemblance to the side that faced QPR, Arsenal’s continuing seven-season trophy drought means that expectations remain high.

The competition figured fifth in the list of five targets identified by Wenger at the club’s AGM last week but for a club that is desperate to reacquire the winning habit, no competition can be treated lightly.

The game is sure to be a special one for Reading manager Brian McDermott, as he will be facing the club that gave him a start in professional football.

The 51-year-old came through the youth ranks at Arsenal and made his debut for them in 1979 before becoming a regular in the 1980-81 season.

He left the Gunners in 1984 – having played 72 games – after falling out of favour, but bore no ill will to the north London club.

“It was a good draw and I was really pleased it’s at our place as well,” said McDermott. “That’s a club that means an awful lot to me.”

Fourth round

Today – 20.45
Leeds vs Southampton
Reading vs Arsenal
Sunderland vs Middlesbrough
Swindon vs Aston Villa
Wigan vs Bradford

Tomorrow – 20.45
Chelsea vs Man. United
Norwich vs Tottenham
Liverpool vs Swansea - 21.00