Arsenal injury update: Theo Walcott out for four to six weeks
Arsenal winger Theo Walcott will be out of action for between four and six weeks after picking up an ankle knock while playing for England.
The injury occurred when he was clipped by an opposition player during the build-up play to England’s opening goal in their 3-1 UEFA European Football Championship qualifying win over Switzerland on Tuesday.
'Tackle looked bad'
Speaking to the English Premier League giants’ official website, Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger said today that: “The tackle looked quite bad. When you see how it turned his ankle I thought it would be three or four days or it would be four to six weeks. Unfortunately it will be four to six weeks. We had some good news about the scan because at some stage we were scared it could be worse. But overall it is a question of patience and rehabilitation.”
Walcott’s injury will come as a blow for Wenger as the 21-year-old had been in strong form, scoring four times in three games for his club before leaving for England duty.
Wenger added that Arsenal had mixed news on the injury front. It was revealed earlier this week that striker Robin van Persie faced a further four to six weeks on the sidelines after suffering an ankle injury against Blackburn Rovers two weeks ago.
The Gunners boss said today that: “That is bad news. At the start we were optimistic. Maybe a bit too much, thinking it would be one or two weeks. But the damage was bigger than expected and he will be [out] four to six weeks.”
Nasri set for return
However, Wenger had a reason to look on the bright side as Samir Nasri has recovered much quicker than expected after undergoing knee surgery. The midfielder has a chance of playing against Bolton Wanderers in the EPL this weekend, but will certainly be available for the UEFA Champions League clash with Braga next week.
Wenger added that midfielder Aaron Ramsey was still looking at a return in November after suffering a horror leg break in a challenge by Stoke City’s Ryan Shawcross earlier this year.
Meanwhile, Johan Djourou and Denilson Pereira Neves are available after their injuries while Sebastien Squillaci could make his debut after his summer switch from Sevilla.
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