When Will We Theo Again?

When the young Arsenal winger was taken off in the FA Cup against Tottenham Hotspur all the focus was on his gesture to the traveling fans. Illustrating the scoreline of 2-0 caused such an uproar resulting in the FA just reminding Theo Walcott of his responsibilities. It was not thought his injury was all that serious as he sat smiling on the stretcher.



However 48 hours later and news was broken that he had actually ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee, the recovery for which, is listed at around six months. That time scale will take him to mid July which not only rules him out of the rest of Arsenal's season but also most likely out of the World Cup, meaning his third World Cup out.

He wasn't selected for the South Africa 2010 World Cup and was selected, but not used in Germany 2006. Add to that now the missing of Brazil 2014 and the player will be 29 when he may play his first, and maybe only World Cup.

At least Roy Hodgson has a few months to reassess his plans and squad for the World Cup in five months. Spare a thought for Arsenal boss, Arsene Wenger. In the Champions League, top of the Premier League and looking really good this season. With Lucas Podolski back and having already missed Walcott for two months after an abdominal injury, resulting in a surgery, it was all on for a run to success for the Gunners.

How big of a dent will Theo leave Arsenal with? Obviously a big one, but the key now is how the other big players react. They have already got to the top with Theo missing for two months, it is a question of how they can sustain it. Also, don't forget we are still in the transfer window so moves can be made for someone, maybe not to replace Walcott, but certainly increase the depth of the squad.   

Jason is a Freelance Soccer Writer. You can follow him on Twitter @PACityboy and www.facebook.com/jasonbardwell1979.