Theo Walcott is expected to be ruled out for the rest of
the year after dislocating his right shoulder in the final minutes
of England’s training session in Berlin last night.
Arsenal winger Walcott sustained the problem after a
challenge from Scott Parker and was taken to hospital to have the
shoulder put back in place.
This is the fourth time the 19-year-old has had a problem in
that area. He suffered a separation, an injury to the junction
between the collarbone and the left shoulder, in 2006.
Walcott then had surgery last October on a congenital fault from
his father, Don, that left him with weak ligaments in the same
shoulder.
He then took a knock to the right shoulder in the defeat at
Stoke and Nicola Maffulli, Professor of Sports and Exercise
Traumatology at St Bartholomew’s Hospital in London, believes the
problem will blight the rest of his career.
He said: 'It will be a question of managing it for the rest of
his career. There is always the possibility that other structures
around the shoulder have been affected.
'Seeing as he has dislocated his shoulder, it is highly likely
that the problem would be related to his old injury. During his
period out, he will still be training but avoiding situations where
he would be suffering another knock.'
The news on Walcott will come as a major blow to Arsenal.
Arsene Wenger’s side are already nine points behind Chelsea in
the title race. He is sure to be furious having only yesterday
reiterated his frustration over the staging of international
friendlies.
England coach Fabio Capello has already expressed his sympathy
and said: 'We are all very disappointed but the important thing is
for Theo to travel home and make a quick and speedy recovery.'
So is Walcott the new Robben? Both are wingers, both
are small size... fast but physically not very strong...
and get injure easily... I see rather many similarities between
them...
