Football Update: Theo Walcott faces four to six weeks out after suffering ankle injury
Arsenal’s 21 year old winger Theo Walcott, who suffered a knee injury in the game against Switzerland, is now believed to be out for up to 6 weeks. After the match in Basel, England coach Fabio Capello announced that the injury was not a serious one and Walcott should be fit to play after one to two week.
Recent x-rays however, show ligament damage meaning Walcott effectively faces an extended period on the sidelines.
The news was confirmed by Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger on the club’s website:
“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.”
This means that Arsenal shall now have to cope up without their young winger for 5 Barclays Premier League games, which include a daunting trip to Stamford Bridge next month. The schedule also features 3 Champions League group games. The injury will also rule Theo out of England’s Euro 2012 qualifier against Montenegro at Wembley on 12th October - A possible nudge for Johnson to cement his place in the England Team.
The news is a huge setback as Theo was finally able to find his rhythm after a consistent pre season as he bagged 4 goals in the first 3 games of the season – A feat, which included a hatrick against newcomers Blackpool.
Walcott’s injury further deepens Arsenal injury woes. The North London Club has who had been recently hit with a setback that Robin Van Persie will stay on the sidelines for up to six weeks too after suffering a left ankle injury sustained against Blackburn last month.
Apparently, this is Walcott’s eighteenth injury as an Arsenal player, ever since his move from Southampton in 2006.
With Walcott and Van Persie out for the Gunners and Chamakh still finding his feet into the English game, the North London club will have its work cut out in the next few games.
It seems rather unfortunate for the Arsenal club and something that perhaps even a bookie wouldn’t bet for - Out of all the top four teams, Arsenal has always been reputed to be lighter on its contribution of English players. There was 1 injury in the game against Switzerland – The victim, an Arsenal player.
However, not all is dark and gloomy for the Gunners. Samir Nasri’s expected month absence could be curt short as the Frenchman is ahead on schedule with his injury.
“He could even be involved against Bolton,” said Wenger. “He has had a very good preparation and joins in [training] tomorrow. If needed I will integrate him in the squad for Bolton but for sure he will be back for our first Champions League game against Braga.”
Secondly, centre back Johan Djourou and first team midfield player Denilson are on hand after successfully seeing through their respective injury spells. Sebastien Squillaci might be on the brink of making his Arsenal first team debut after his move from Sevilla. All three came through a Reserve team run-out in midweek that saw Arsenal nudge it in the end as the scoreboard recorded 4-3 at full time.
Those that already had little hope for Arsenal in its title ambitions might be rearing to say, ‘I told you so’. Others might believe that it’s still too early in the season to draw any sort of conclusions. With a considerably depleted striking line-up, is it only a matter of time when Arsenal fans start playing their post FA cup 2005, injury card?
Could it be expected that Wenger puts further responsibility on young shoulders to bear the brunt of the loss because Jay Emanuel Thomas could be an option. Or does the Arsenal manager plan on going with the same backup plan that saw the little Russian, Arshavin up front on his own last year. While September remains to be a relatively easy month for the Gunners, it is the big test at Stamford Bridge that sees Arsenal well wishers on tenterhooks!
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