Wenger rues Theo Walcott injury blow
Related articles
Arsenal have suffered mixed fortunes ahead of their clash against Bolton with the return of Samir Nasri soured by the loss of winger Theo Walcott for up to six weeks.
Walcott, 21, is out of action following an ankle injury he sustained on international duty with England in midweek.
Although Nasri could return to face Owen Coyle's side, boss Arsene Wenger rued the loss of his pacey winger.
"Samir could be involved against Bolton," said Wenger.
"He has had a very good preparation and joins in training tomorrow. If needed I will integrate him in the squad for Bolton but for sure he will be back for our first Champions League game against Braga."
Turning to Walcott's injury, Wenger added: "The tackle looked quite bad.
"When you see how it turned his ankle I thought it would be three or four days or it would be four to six weeks. Unfortunately, it will be four to six weeks.
"We had some good news about the scan because at some stage we were scared it could be worse. But overall it is a question of patience and rehabilitation."
Wenger will be also be without Robin van Persie for a similar length of time but the Gunners do have Johan Djourou and Denilson available after injury while new signing Sebastien Squillaci is on standby to make his debut.
Midfielder Aaron Ramsey remains on course for a November return following the broken leg he sustained last season.
"Aaron is running," Wenger revealed. "He is in the normal process but he is a little bit more long term."
The Gunners are still without striker Nicklas Bendtner, who is thought to be at least a month away from returning from a groin problem.
Meanwhile, Bolton boss Coyle is preparing to nullify the threat of Jack Wilshere.
The 18-year-old has been an ever-present in the Gunners first team so far this season, and won his first senior cap for England in last month's friendly win over Hungary.
Coyle knows all about his ability following his loan spell at the Reebok last season.
"Jack is a very talented player. He is such a gifted lad and has matured no end," said Coyle, who tried and failed to sign the midfielder on loan again this season.
"He came to us as a boy and went back to Arsenal as a man. He showed that by playing in the Arsenal first team and by turning out for England at full international level.
"There is no doubt he is going to have a glittering career."
Latest in Sport
Sport blogs
iBet: Rose has the ammunition for Wentworth
McDowell did brilliantly to land the World Match Play title in Bulgaria last week, but it’s a format...
by Gareth Purnell
23 May 2013 09:13 AM
Brits on fire in the wet at Le Mans!
Wow - what a weekend for British Motorcycle racing!
by Luke Wilkins
22 May 2013 05:00 AM
iBet: Bale and Rooney transfer specials
The dust is barely settling on the Premier League season and the bookies are looking to persuade us ...
by Gareth Purnell
22 May 2013 02:01 AM
-
Roy Hodgson shuts the England door on Manchester City midfielder Gareth Barry
-
On-loan goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois still believes in Chelsea youth policy
-
After racist remark, Sergio Garcia fights for reputation as Tiger Woods slams 'hurtful' fried chicken joke
-
Manuel Pellegrini must decide on futures of Carlos Tevez, Gareth Barry and Joleon Lescott as Manchester City name starting date for new manager
-
Liverpool striker Andy Carroll delays over West Ham move
- 1 Woolwich attack exclusive: Man in bloody video - named 'Mujahid' - was known to Anjem Choudary's banned Islamist group Al Muhajiroun
- 2 'Sickening, deluded and unforgivable': Horrific attack brings terror to London’s streets
- 3 Grace Dent: I’m not sure how these people can avoid being called ‘bigots’. And the more ‘civilised’, the worse they are
- 4 Ingrid Loyau-Kennett, the mother-of-two hailed as a hero for confronting Woolwich attackers, thought: 'better me than a child'
- 5 Woolwich attack: The EDL will seek to exploit this evil crime for their own evil ends
Get your summer started with British Military Fitness
BMF is the UK’s biggest and best loved outdoor fitness classes
Visit York
Find out what The Independent's resident travel expert has to say about one of the most beautiful small cities in the world
Enter the latest Independent competitions
Win anything from gadgets to five-star holidays on our competitions and offers page.
Business videos from commercial thought leaders
Watch the best in the business world give their insights into the world of business.
Day In a Page
Edward VIII’s phone calls - and how MI5 bugged them
Hollywood's random acts of red-carpet kindness
Not secure any more: G4S boss heads for exit at last
How to say ‘I’m a sellout’



Comments