Walcott Offers Injury Update: Attacker Rules Himself Out Of Tottenham Clash

Arsenal attacker Theo Walcott has given an update on his injury recovery and has categorically dismissed suggestions he’ll be back in time to face arch rivals Tottenham.

Walcott hasn’t played since rupturing his cruciate ligament during the final stages of Arsenal’s 2-0 win over Spurs in the FA Cup at the Emirates back in January.

The 25-year-old was initially ruled out for around nine months and the England speedster has been working hard all summer to try and get back to full fitness.

With the former Southampton youngster returning to full training this week, a return to the first team is in sight and there were reports earlier this week suggesting Walcott was in-line to make his comeback against Tottenham on the 27th.

However, speaking to the Mirror, the Arsenal attacker insists he hasn’t set a specific comeback date yet and there’s no chance he’ll be fit in time to face Spurs later this month.

“This injury was always going to take nine months.”

“I haven’t put a specific date or looked at a game yet.”

“I think there was rumours of me coming back for the Spurs game [on September 27], which is definitely not going to happen, that’s for sure. But I’ll definitely be there for the one in February.”

Walcott has also been quoted on Arsenal.com as saying that it should only be a matter of weeks before he’s back in contention for Arsene Wenger’s side, but confirmed he’s likely to get some match practice with the Under-21 team under his belt first.

“We’re not setting specific comeback matches, but I’m just pleased it’s hopefully now only a matter of weeks before I’ll be back playing,” he said.

“There may be one or two under-21s matches I’ll be involved in first. I’m just looking forward to getting out there and playing again.”

Arsenal fans were excited by the prospect of Walcott returning to face their north London rivals but it looks like they’ll have to wait a little longer before they see him back in action for the first team.

Wenger was never going to rush the player back after such a serious injury so it’s no surprise to hear he’ll be turning out for the Under-21’s before being made available for the first team. Hopefully Walcott won’t suffer any set-backs and he’ll be back playing with Arsenal soon enough.