Theo Walcott likely out for remainder of season

According to Arsene Wenger, Theo Walcott is likely done for the season after suffering a hamstring injury in the Gunners’ 0-0 draw against Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.

“Theo looks to have a serious hamstring [injury],” Wenger told reporters on Saturday.

“He wanted to stay on. It will be tough to come back this season.”

The former Southampton starlet is Arsenal’s second top scorer, eight goals in 33 appearances, in the English Premier League this season and is also second on the club with eight assists in league play.

With Robin van Persie dip in form of late, the loss of Walcott will surely be felt by the Gunners. However, 18-year-old star Alex-Oxlade Chamberlain looks a capable replacement for the injured England international.

The Ox has bagged four goals and two assists for Arsenal in 24 appearances in 2011-12, and looks a star in the making to be perfectly honest.

Some might claim that Oxlade-Chamberlain’s form has not been consistent enough this season. But you could also make the same claim about Theo Walcott, who has turned in his fair share of dismal shifts in 2011-12.

Now then, it’s time for Alex-Oxlade Chamberlain v Theo Walcott: Pros and Cons.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain: Pros and Cons

Pro: Oxlade-Chamberlain has already bagged more goals this season (4) than Theo Walcott did in his debut season for the Gunners in 2006-07.

Con: He’s drawing comparisons to Theo Walcott.

Pro: The 18-year-old has risen to stardom quite quickly in north London.

Con: His rapid rise to stardom will surely lead to outrageous expectations from the Gunners faithful.

Pro: The Ox has unlimited potential.

Con: Theo Walcott also had “unlimited potential” way back when.

Theo Walcott: Pros and Cons

Pro: Walcott as netted eight goals and eight assists this season.

Con: He’s had about 50 goal-scoring chances in 2011-12.

Pro: He’s finally starting to score more goals for Arsenal.

Con: It took him five seasons to tally his first 10-goal season for the Gunners.

Pro: He’s got blistering pace.

Con: What he doesn’t lack in pace he lacks in technical prowess and skill.

Summary

To sum up, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will likely be Walcott’s replacement for the remainder of this season. However, the Gunners also have the services of Ivorian Gervinho and Japanese winger Ryo Miyaichi, who is currently on loan at Bolton Wanderers.

Miyaichi has been very impressive in his short stint with Bolton and could play a significant role for Arsenal next season, while Gervinho will surely be in the starting XI for the remainder of 2011-12 with Walcott out due to injury.