Source: PA
Wenger rues Walcott setback
Boss Arsene Wenger feels England forward Theo Walcott faces a mental battle as well as physical to get himself firing on all cylinders again after another injury set-back interrupted a promising start to the new season for the Arsenal youngster.
Walcott - a controversial omission from Fabio Capello's World Cup squad - had been in impressive form for the Gunners, netting a hat-trick against Blackpool and a goal in the win at Ewood Park before the international break.
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.
While the problem is not serious, it will result in a recovery time of up to six weeks. It is another enforced break for Walcott, who has seen his progress hampered by a series of fitness issues.
"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. "It is more frustrating for him and you never know what kind of psychological impact it has on the player as well. In our job it is important you are healthy and you play.
"When you are injured, it always stops your progress and gets you setback when you do not have regular games. It is sometimes good to be rested but to be injured is different."
