Arsene Wenger has reiterated that Theo Walcott is fit for first team action, but hinted that the attacker is still preparing himself mentally for the physical test of regular Premier League football.
The England international injured suffered an ACL injury against Sp*rs in the FA Cup on 4 January last year and has featured only twice off the bench since his return against Burnley at the start of November.
Speaking ahead of the New Year’s day clash with Walcott’s former club Southampton, Wenger outlined that the 25-year-old will soon be afforded more game time.
“He has a chance and if it is not Thursday it will be Sunday. He has been out for one year, he was injured on January 4 and he has to go for contact, and today the game does not forgive you any lack of contact or defensive focus and we have to get that.
“He has been impatient, he has been injured so of course you are always impatient. He is 25 going to 26 and this is an important part in his life for a player. He is certainly a bit edgy as he has been out for so long… you must have [the first tackle] in your mind and have to go through that.
“He is fit because he has done a lot of work. I have always handled [Theo] progressively.
“Let’s not forget he only had two days of training with us before the game against QPR. Not in total, he has been out, in and out again as he was sick and had a groin problem when he came back from England. Fitness-wise he is there but he has not had a lot of practice in training.”
While Walcott could be involved at Saint Mary’s today, it appears Yaya Sanogo is not available. With Olivier Giroud banned and Danny Welbeck struggling with a thigh problem the 21-year-old would have been an option to lead the line alongside Alexis Sanchez, but he’s struggling with a thigh problem.
“He would have been the right option [to play at Southampton] but he’s got a minor hamstring injury,” revealed Wenger.
“[Before that his gum was] infected and he was under antibiotics for a long time. We [dealt with] it when we thought we had a little break between Liverpool and QPR.”
Given the January transfer window is now open, it’s possible we may not see Sanogo in an Arsenal shirt for a while.
“[A loan move] is a possibility. I would prefer him to go to a Premier League club. He is a goalscorer and he’s not frightened.
“He’s a guy who is naturally aggressive and in the modern game that’s a vital quality, it’s always been a vital quality.”
Akron? Worth a try
Are you suggesting we send Sanogo to Lebron’s hometown to continue his development?
I’ve forgotten how Walcott plays?
Last I remember him he was starting to become an absolute weapon for us!
Theo on today as a 70 minute sub? The front line is looking straggly atm and suddenly bereft of many options…
We will miss Welbeck’s work rate, he always puts in a shift. Hope all come back asap…. red zone looming!
Oh and, have an excellent new year all you Gunners…….
Sanogo – goalscorer? lol
Keep.laughing! One day. One day.
Only an Arsenal player could miss games through an injury to his… gum.
I actually laughed on first reading it as I thought it was Arseblog pulling our New Years Day leg.
So once again injuries are forcing us into another forward set up. I’m not surprised we’re struggling to put chances away, chopping and changing all the time. 2-1, seems to be the new 1-0 to the Arsenal. We either score late on or are hanging on for dear life for 3 points. I suppose we should be happy to win, but I wish we could just win without nearly having a coronary.
What are you talking about? Welbeck has been available most of the time. Our forward line has been pretty much the same apart from Giroud returning.
Answer me this. Apart from Newcastle, Villa, Galatasaray and Burnley how many games this season have we been comfortable? And furthermore Welbeck has played left wing, right wing and central. They’re chopping and changing at will. Try seeing Aguero or Costa playing anywhere else but central. Alexis has played everywhere, Ox has played central midfield and on the wing. Even if Alexis is scoring, everyone else is moving position. I recall Giroud even trying to play left wing against Newcastle for about 15 minutes. Which didn’t work. Do your research before you answer.
Chopping and changing at will? At will? That means its their choice not due to the imaginary injuries that you said our front line have suffered. We haven’t suffered (Giroud aside).
Giroud goes to left wing just because that’s where he finds himself as the attack builds. Its a fluid front 3, giroud pulls out to the left or right, takes defenders with him and leaves a big hole for Sanchez or Welbeck to film.
I’d suggest you understand how football works, then do your research on where our injuries have been.
gum infection?! wtf’s happening to us?
severe dandruff next?
We need more speed and directness in our build-up to attack. The answer: Theo Walcott.