*Wenger - I'm ready to use Walcott as
striker*
Although Arsène Wenger indicated that Eduardo would cover the
absent Robin van Persie against Bolton on Saturday, in future games
he may turn to Theo Walcott.
Ever since he signed from Southampton in January 2006, the Arsenal
manager has haboured the ambition of turning the winger into a
striker. A little like he did with a certain Thierry Henry in
1999.
Wenger admitted that Eduardo needed to strengthen himself
mentally as much as physically to fill the void left by the
in-form Dutchman. But he suggested the England Under-21
international had already made sufficient progress to step in if
required.
At the start of the season Eduardo was very good, he said at
Fridays press conference. Then, later, he was injured a little
bit and struggled to find his rhythm back. Now he looks sharp to me
again.
Of course when you arrive from the Croatian League and you come to
the English Premier League its quite a shock. Its like driving on
the motorway when youve been walking. But I feel he adapts well
and with the right commitment he will get through that easy.
He is certainly intelligent enough to fit into the side, Walcott
will too. Walcott will get a chance in this position because I feel
now he is ready to play through the middle.
We are in October and Theo has already played a part. He made a
big impact last time he came on and you know things change quickly.
In football you have always to be ready, and its a good
opportunity for him as well, not only for Eduardo. If he is strong,
he will play.
Bendtner will [play] as well, but he is more in Adebayors
position than someone to play with Adebayor.
