Theo Walcott was carried off on a stretcher after catching his studs in the turf while attempting a challenge. PHOTO: AFP
LONDON: Arsene Wenger admits the potential loss of Theo Walcott to a knee injury or through suspension would be a big problem for Arsenal.
Lone front man Walcott was carried off on a stretcher in the closing stages of the Gunners’ 2-0 FA Cup victory over Tottenham after catching his studs in the turf while attempting a challenge on Danny Rose.
Walcott also waits to see if he will face any Football Association (FA) action after making a ‘2-0’ gesture which so incensed the travelling Spurs support that they threw coins and bottles at the player as he departed the Emirates pitch.
“We don’t know yet if it is a stretched ligament or just a kick. He (Theo) got two kicks on his knee,” said Arsenal boss Wenger.
“We still had (Lukas) Podolski and (Mesut) Ozil on the bench. (Olivier) Giroud was sick – he was not injured. He was available if he wasn’t sick so he should be available for the next game.
“Of course, if we lose Theo Walcott for a longer period then it is a bigger problem. I am waiting to see now who walks out there and knocks at the door, waiting to come in.”
Of more immediate concern for Wenger’s Arsenal will be if Walcott receives any form of suspension for making a ‘2-0’ salute which Tottenham manager Tim Sherwood described as ‘banter’.
Wenger defended his player and added: “It was a reaction which did not offend anybody. I have seen the pictures of it after the game. It does not even look aggressive, it’s just smiley.”
Published in The Express Tribune, January 6th, 2014.
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