LONDON – Arsene Wenger admits the potential loss of Theo Walcott to a knee injury or through suspension would be a big problem for Arsenal.
Lone frontman Walcott was carried off on a stretcher in the closing stages of the Gunners’ 2-0 FA Cup victory over Tottenham after catching his studs in the turf while attempting a challenge on Danny Rose.
The England international also waits to see if he will face any Football Association action after making a ‘2-0’ gesture which so incensed the travelling Spurs support that they threw coins and bottles at the player as he departed the Emirates pitch.
“We don’t know yet if it is a stretched ligament or just a kick. He (Theo) got two kicks on his knee,” said Arsenal boss Wenger.
“We still had (Lukas) Podolski and (Mesut) Ozil on the bench. (Olivier) Giroud was sick — he was not injured. He was available if he wasn’t sick so he should be available for the next game.
“(Nicklas) Bendtner — (out for) one month. It could have been more. We suspected more, but it is good news.
“Of course, if we lose Theo Walcott for a longer period then it is a bigger problem.
“I am waiting to see now who walks out there and knocks at the door, waiting to come in. Honestly, do we find better than the players that we have got?”
Of more immediate concern for Wenger’s Arsenal will be if Walcott receives any form of suspension for making a ‘2-0’ salute which Tottenham manager Tim Sherwood described as “banter”.
