Source: Telegraph
Theo Walcott faces mental battle after latest injury setback, says Arsene Wenger
Walcott - a controversial omission from Fabio Capello's World Cup squad - had been in impressive form for Arsenal, netting a hat-trick against Blackpool and a goal in the win at Ewood Park before the international break. [LNB]However, the pacy 21-year-old - now very much back in the England fold - suffered an ankle injury in the build-up to Wayne Rooney's opening goal against Switzerland on Tuesday night. [LNB] Related ArticlesArsenal v Bolton Wanderers: match previewWalcott out for up to six weeksRobin van Persie out until mid-OctoberTheo Walcott's worst injury fears avertedCoyle: Wilshere set for a 'glittering career'Walcott suffers ankle injury scareWhile the problem is not serious, it will result in a recovery time of up to six weeks. [LNB]It is another enforced break for Walcott, who has seen his progress hampered by a series of fitness issues. [LNB]Wenger accepted that impact could be just as difficult to overcome as actually getting back into action. [LNB]"The good news is that the ligament which we were scared could be ruptured is not, but in our job it is still a long-term injury of four to six weeks," said the Arsenal manager. [LNB]"It is more frustrating for him, and you never know what kind of psychological impact it has on the player as well. [LNB]"In our job it is important you are healthy and you play. [LNB]"When you are injured, it always stops your progress and gets you setback when you do not have regular games. [LNB]"It is sometimes good to be rested, but to be injured is different." [LNB]Wenger continued: "The mental side is always a question mark when a player get injuries. [LNB]"When you are a manager and you see an injury doesn't harm the career of a player, you are happy. After that the only unknown quantity is how much it will damage his confidence in the box, on tackling and all that. [LNB]"Ideally, you do not want a player to be injured many times by bad tackles. [LNB]"However, I believe Theo will deal well with that because he has done it before." [LNB]
