Arsene Wenger says it’s unlikely that Theo Walcott will feature again for Arsenal this season having limped off during the 0-0 draw with Chelsea due to a hamstring problem.

Having gone down initially, he said he was ok play on and then caused himself further damage when in possession down the right hand side.

Speaking at his post-game press conference, the boss said, “It looks like a serious hamstring. First we assessed the hamstring, he wanted to go on and stay on the pitch, and I think he should have gone off straight away because the second time it was a real hamstring.

“I think now for him it will be tough to come back before the end of the season. It is usually 21 days. He should be OK to play for England – he just will have a good rest. You suddenly become favourite to win the European Championship! But I don’t think he will be ready to play for us.”

And despite Robin van Persie’s unusually poor finishing the manager was full of praise for his captain.

“He played his 50th game mtoday and he gave absolutely everything again today. He was unlucky in the first half, he had a free kick he deflected and it was a clear-cut chance.

“Then when he was through I think he rushed his decision making a bit, when he took it with his right foot, because he had Diaby coming in completely on his own.

“It was not easy for him because he was completely on his own at some stages with not enough support. And he was caught offside one time and I am not sure he was.”

The point leaves Arsenal 6 clear of Sp*rs and with a better goal difference, but after the Wigan defeat, the manager is unequivocal about what’s needed in the final three games of the season.

“What it means is that we have to win the rest of our games and we have to look at the results over the weekend as well.”

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Full press conference transcript