Arsenal to examine Theo Walcott injury
On Wednesday English Premier League giants Arsenal will examine the extent of an ankle injury sustained by Theo Walcott.
The winger suffered the damage during England’s 3-1 win over Switzerland in a UEFA 2012 European Football Championship qualifying match. In the build-up to Wayne Rooney’s 10th-minute opening goal, Walcott sustained a knock from an opposing player.
The 21-year-old — who had started the game well and was earning his third cap since being left out of England’s FIFA 2010 World Cup squad — was then carried off the field and down the tunnel on a stretcher with his right ankle strapped up.
'Not a big problem'
England national team coach Fabio Capello provided some comfort for Arsenal when he revealed he had spoken to Walcott about the game. He said the injury appeared to be a minor one, but could not reveal the extent of the damage. Capello told reporters after the game that: "I spoke with Theo and he told me it is not a big problem. I said 'two weeks', he said less."
Walcott looks set to miss Arsenal’s next EPL match against Bolton Wanderers at the Emirates Stadium, while he may also be ruled out of the Gunners’ opening UEFA Champions League group stage clash with Braga next Wednesday.
It is the latest injury setback for Gunners boss Arsene Wenger, who has lost important players such as Robin van Persie and Nicklas Bendtner in recent weeks. However, the club revealed that Samir Nasri is expected to return to training this week after recovering from a knee problem.
Walcott’s injury will come as a blow for Arsenal as he had got the season off to a flying start with four goals in three games for his club so far.
The winger has been with Arsenal since moving from Southampton in a deal worth an initial five million pounds. He has made 139 appearances for the club, scored 22 goals and provided 18 assists.
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