Theo Walcott: Arsenal winger set for first game in nine months for Under-21s on Friday

The England winger has been missing with a cruciate knee ligament injury

Tom Sheen
Thursday 16 October 2014 14:03 BST
Comments
(GETTY IMAGES)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Arsene Wenger has been handed a boost amid another Arsenal injury crisis with Theo Walcott set to play for the Under-21s on Friday.

The 25-year-old has not played a competitive game in more than nine months after suffering a cruciate ligament injury in the 2-1 FA Cup victory over bitter rivals Tottenham.

Walcott is in line to start for Arsenal's youngsters against Blackburn Rovers on Friday, in what will be his first game since 4 January.

The England winger only started full training on Monday, though he had not even played a five-a-side game before that, and could be given up to an hour in Friday's game, according to reports.

Wenger will then have to decide whether to risk Walcott for the match against Hull City the next day - with attacking players Mesut Ozil, Aaron Ramsey, Olivier Giroud and Yaya Sanogo all missing, the French boss may not have a choice - though he could allow Walcott more time to return.

Arsenal travel to Belgium to play Anderlecht on Wednesday and then are at the Stadium of Light to face Sunderland next Saturday.

Serge Gnabry also made his return to training on Monday, while Olivier Giroud is said to be "ahead of schedule" in his recovery from a broken leg.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in