Theo Walcott has handed Arsenal an injury scare before the start of the season after limping off with a knee problem last night.

Walcott, who scored the opening goal in England’s 3-2 victory, was replaced by Wilfried Zaha (above) with 15 minutes remaining and was seen hobbling towards the sidelines.

The 24-year-old has confirmed he is now in a race against time to be fit for the Gunners’ opening home game against Aston Villa on Saturday.

He said: “Hopefully I will be all right but I had to come off with a swollen knee. I’m going to rest my leg and all being well it’s going to be okay.”

Walcott, who finished as Arsenal’s top scorer last season with 21 goals, is crucial to the club’s hopes for this campaign, particularly as they have yet to make any major signings thus far.