Arsenal Football Club News

• Nickname:Gunners
• Founded:1886
• Manager:Arsene Wenger

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Fresh hamstring blow for Theo

03 Dec 2009 - 16:51:17

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Theo Walcott's injury-ravaged season shows no sign of improving after the Arsenal and England star picked up a hamstring problem in Sunday's 3-0 home defeat to Chelsea.

However, Bacary Sagna has recovered from his ankle injury and should be fit for the visit of Stoke City to the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.

Arsene Wenger confirmed to the Gunners' official website; "We had Sagna out injured before but, normally, he will be available this weekend.

"However, Theo Walcott will not be available. He has a hamstring injury.

"As for the other players we had injured, the long-term ones I do not even speak about.

"But the players who looked to be shorter - like Clichy, Diaby and Bendtner - will not be available. And, of course, Song is suspended for the weekend.

"Kieran Gibbs is doing very well. I had him on the phone and it looked to be completely fine. I have not talked to Robin van Persie yet but there again the news I got from the surgery was it went very, very well.

"There was a lot of disturbance on our side recently but the surgery went well."

Twenty-year-old Walcott has only been able to start one match so far this season.