Arsenal boss updates fans on Walcott and Gibbs injuries

Arsene Wenger spoke about the latest injuries to Arsenal’s Theo Walcott and Kieran Gibbs following today’s match.

The Gunners overcame West Bromwich Albion today thanks to a late Olivier Giroud looping header, but the three points was one of very few positive points to take from the game.

One negative would be the loss of Kieran Gibbs to injury, while it is also worth noting that both Theo Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain were unable to play today due to slight injuries, at least that is what we have been told.

Wenger confirmed his thoughts after today’s match, stating that he did not know how long the left-back would be out for, while insisting that Theo’s injury was tiny.

He said:  “It’s a kick. I don’t know how bad it is, but it’s a kick on the knee.

“Theo has a small calf problem, but a very small one.”

I wouldn’t be surprised if it was revealed that Theo or the Ox (or both!) were unable to play after having overdone their Christmas celebrations, as there was no mention of any injury to either player previous to them missing the trip today. The Ox was not even mentioned after the match, which could mean he is guilty of partying a little too much.

The claim that Theo will return soon enough will be a big boost however, as he has been crucial in the system which accommodates Alexis Sanchez in the central role, which we have seen him flourishing in.

Chamberlain has been no slouch either however, and is currently second in the Arsenal assists charts in the league with four, and could well be an important squad player at this tough time of year.

Gibbs injury however means that Nacho Monreal has no rival for his spot, and that could be quite the negative as he has looked like he has been in need of a rest over the past month or so.

Does Alexis need Theo out wide to play centrally? Would the loss of Gibbs or the Ox be a problem?

Pat J