Theo Walcott likely to be back for FA Cup clash
Arsenal speedster Theo Walcott is expected to be back for the 5th round clash against Leyton Orient in the Gunners’ FA Cup tie this weekend, as he hopes to shake off a mild hamstring problem.
The number 14 suffered the injury in Arsenal’s Champions League clash against Barcelona at the Emirates Wednesday night. However, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger expected that his quick-footed wide player would make a speedy recovery and take part in the upcoming
FA Cup match.
According to a statement posted on the Arsenal official website, the manager commented, “We have a little concern about Walcott’s hamstring but it should be all right.”
Walcott has been a constant threat on the right flank this season; enjoying his most successful term with the Gunners. Not only has Walcott been able to inject pace and width to the Arsenal attack, but also the Englishman has displayed a lot more decisively
in the final third – both with his crossing and shooting.
Elsewhere on the injury front, Swiss central defender Johan Djourou has been sidelined for a trip to East London due to a backbone problem that he suffered at the end of a game against the Catalans on Wednesday.
Djourou has been a revelation for Arsene Wenger after losing Thomas Vermaelen due to a long-term Achilles injury for the campaign. Sebastien Squillaci is lined up as an expected replacement.
The Frenchman said that Djourou had a back problem, adding that he was the one who certainly will not play on Sunday
While Abou Diaby still serves his 3-match ban after a straight red against Newcastle United, first choice right-back Bacary Sagna is available again after being suspended for the Champions League match against Pep Guardiola’s men.
Also Moroccan striker Marouane Chamakh shall be restored to the squad after the centre forward was omitted for the European competition.
The Arsenal manager observed, “All the others are smaller things I will assess slowly. Marouane Chamakh will be back in the group. There will be some rotation. We will see what I do. We play Sunday, Wednesday, Sunday again. But I have shown in many competitions
that I have the same belief in every player.”
Wenger makes a fair point there. February is arguably a make or break month for Arsenal as they feature in all 4 competitions that they’re presently competing in. With a positive start to the Champions League campaign, the manager, players and Arsenal faithful’s
alike would be hoping to kiss their nearly six-year trophy drought goodbye.
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