Gunners await Walcott assessment

Published: Wed Sep 8 2010, 6.01PM

Gunners await Walcott assessment

Arsenal's medical team will assess the extent of Theo Walcott's ankle injury, which could sideline the England winger for the rest of the month.

Walcott had been in decent form for the Gunners, scoring four goals in three games before the international break.

However, the 21-year-old - recalled by Fabio Capello after being omitted from his ill-fated World Cup squad - was taken to hospital Tuesday night for precautionary X-rays after turning his ankle in the build-up to Wayne Rooney's opening goal in the 3-1 win over Switzerland in Basle.

Initial fears of a break were dispelled by Capello after the match, suggesting the player felt the injury was "not a big problem".

However, even if it is just a bad sprain with no torn ligaments, then Walcott - who has a history of niggling injury setbacks - is almost certain to miss Saturday's Barclays Premier League visit of Bolton as well as the Champions League opener against Braga.

Walcott would be unlikely to be risked in the Carling Cup clash at rivals Tottenham, and may have to sit out the trip to Partizan Belgrade - but if all goes well could be fully match fit in time to face title rivals Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on October 3.

The loss of Walcott is another blow to Gunners manager Arsene Wenger, who has seen Holland striker Robin van Persie sidelined until the middle of next month with an ankle problem.

With Nicklas Bendtner also unavailable because of a groin injury, summer signing Marouane Chamakh looks set to lead the line for the next few weeks.

Midfielder Samir Nasri is recovering well from knee surgery, while defender Sebastien Squillaci made his first appearance for Arsenal following a move from Sevilla in the reserves' win over Blackburn at Underhill and could make his Premier League debut this weekend.

Latest stories

  • Rangers enter adminstration

 

Next football on ITV

on itv1hd

Wed 15th Feb, 7.30pm

Live Champions League: AC Milan v Arsenal

on itv4

Thur 16th Feb, 5.30pm

Live Europa League: Legia Warsaw v Sporting Lisbon

on itv1hd

Thur 16th Feb, 8pm

Live Europa League: Porto v Manchester City

on itv1hd

Sat 18th Feb, 4.50pm

Live FA Cup Fifth Round: Sunderland v Arsenal

on itv1hd

Sun 19th Feb, 1.35pm

Live FA Cup Fifth Round: Stevenage v Tottenham

on itv1hd

Wed 22nd Feb, 7.30pm

Live Champions League: Marseille v Inter Milan

ITV Sportemail alerts

Loading Tweets...

 

SNAPSHOTS  

rubin kazan

Check out our gallery of the latest and best football photos

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE PRIZE DRAW  

UEFA Champions League Weekly, 130311

You and three friends could be part of four of the biggest games in football! Click here to enter