Gunners wait on Walcott assessment
September 08, 2010 13:24:07 UK
Premier League outfit Arsenal will today assess the extent of Theo Walcott's ankle injury, which could sideline the England winger for the rest of September.
Walcott was stretchered off against Switzerland on Tuesday night.Walcott had been in fine 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 left out of his ill-fated World Cup squad - was taken to hospital last night for precautionary X-rays after turning his ankle in the build-up to Wayne Rooney's opening goal in the 3-1 Euro 2012 qualifying win over Switzerland in Basle.
Initial fears of a break were dismissed 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.
Betting for Arsenal's Premier League clash has the gunners at 1.22 to get the home win, with Bolton 13.00 and the draw available at 6.00.
Full Time Result betting for the European clash with Braga on Wednesday 15th September has Arsenal at 1.33 to win in 90 minutes, with Braga 10.00 and the draw 5.00.
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 3rd October.
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 October with an ankle problem.
With Nicklas Bendtner also unavailable due to 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.
Arsenal are currently 6.00 to win the Barclays Premier League 2010/11
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