Arsenal Injury Update – Wenger Gives Latest Injury Update

Arsenal have not received a break from the injury that is currently ravaging the club. At the last count, every area of the squad currently have a player injured whether in defence, midfield and attack, the latest being Mesut Ozil, but despite the gloom that has descended on the horizon, there is a measure of good news following confirmation that Theo Walcott has returned to full training.

The 25 year old has been out since January with a knee ligament injury sustained in a FA Cup third round match against North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur.  Having gone through extensive rehabilitation, which has culminated in several shifts in his return date, he has finally joined in with the main squad in training.

“Theo is not far away now Arsene Wenger said. “Theo has also been out for nine months, so it’s good to see him back.”

The 25 year old’s return is the only upside to what has been a difficult last few months on the injury front for Arsenal. His return could cushion the effect of Mesut Ozil’s injury set back which is expected to keep the playmaker out until the New Year.

Although, he is not expected to hit the ground running when he eventually takes to the field as he would be obviously short of match fitness, with the spell of games Arsenal have in the Premier League between now and the end of the year, he could be used sparingly in those matches before he would reach its peak level of match fitness.

Also, the speedster’s return is expected to solve some selection headache for Arsenal with the dearth of options following Mesut Ozil’s injury. It means Arsene Wenger could afford to field Oxlade-Chamberlain in the middle, while Theo Walcott starts in his natural right wing slot.

There has already been much talk about the pace that Alexis Sanchez and Danny Welbeck have added to the side, the return of Theo Walcott can only add to the pace that Arsenal would have upfront.

In the end, even though Theo Walcott would not be at the receiving end of Mesut Ozil’s intelligent passes when he returns, his reputation as the highest goal scorer in the present Arsenal squad would put opposition defenders on their toes.

Besides, his goal returns, his record of assist is also a strong side to his game, which means he is both a creator and a goal scorer which would add to Arsenal’s offensive potential.