Walcott dislocates shoulder

12 April 2012

Theo Walcott has been ruled out of England's friendly with Germany in Berlin on Wednesday after dislocating his shoulder in training.

The Arsenal youngster was taken to hospital where the shoulder was put back into place.

"Our priority is Theo and making him as comfortable as possible before he returns to England," England boss Fabio Capello said. "We are all very disappointed but the important thing is for Theo to travel home and make a quick recovery."

A decision will be taken on Wednesday morning over when Walcott will return to England.

Arsenal have been kept fully informed about the 19-year-old's treatment, with Capello naturally disappointed.

While the injury is a blow to Capello, robbing him of one of the few members of his first-choice side to actually make the trip, it is even worse news for Arsene Wenger.

With the Gunners' Premier League title hopes in danger of being over before the end of November, he must now do without Walcott for an extended period due to no fault of his own.

In a week when the club versus country debate has reignited passions, Wenger, one of the fiercest critics of international friendlies, is now deprived of Walcott's services for that very reason.

Last season, Derby midfielder Stephen Pearson was ruled out for a month after suffering the same injury. Even if Walcott equalled that timescale, he would miss four league games and the rest of Arsenal's Champions League group campaign.

"During Tuesday night's training session Theo Walcott dislocated his right shoulder after falling on the pitch," said an FA statement. "Theo was taken to hospital, where he has had the shoulder put back into place."

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