Walcott woe adds to Arsenal´s problems

Arsenal suffered a fresh setback Thursday when it was announced England winger Theo Walcott had suffered a hamstring injury and would miss Saturday’s Premier League match against Stoke City.

Walcott, 20, played in the second half of the 3-0 league loss to Chelsea on Sunday before, with Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger selecting reserve players, missing out on the Gunners’ League Cup defeat by Manchester City to the same scoreline on Wednesday.

Former Southampton star Walcott has yet to complete a match this season following shoulder and knee problems.

Arsenal’s Alex Song is suspended for the Emirates Stadium fixture against Stoke but right-back Bacary Sagna is set to return after an ankle injury.

“We had Sagna out injured but, normally, he will be available,” said Wenger. “However, Theo Walcott will not be available. He has a hamstring injury.

“As for the other players we had injured, the long-term ones I do not even speak about.

“But the players who looked to be shorter – like (Gael) Clichy, (Abou) Diaby and (Nicklas) Bendtner – will not be available.

“And, of course, Song is suspended for the weekend.”

Arsenal are also without Dutch striker Robin van Persie, expected to be sidelined for five months with an ankle injury, while promising left-back Kieran Gibbs is currently recovering from foot surgery.

The Gunners are 11 points behind Premier League leaders and London rivals Chelsea following last week’s loss.