Injured: Arsenal’s forward Theo Walcott (Picture: AP)

Theo Walcott has been ruled out for up to three weeks after Arsenal confirmed he will undergo minor surgery for an abdominal problem.

The winger was withdrawn from the Gunners’ starting line-up against Stoke an hour before kick-off, and Arsene Wenger has now revealed Walcott will face an extended period on the sidelines.

Wenger said: ‘Theo will be out for a few weeks. He has developed some damage to his posterior abdominal wall. It’s not a hernia, but it’s a little structural problem in his abdomen.

‘He will have the procedure in Germany on Wednesday and, because it’s so minor, we can begin his rehab immediately. We are pleased it’s being dealt with quickly and he shouldn’t miss too many Arsenal matches. But he will miss the forthcoming international matches with England.’


Chance: Arsenal’s Serge Gnabry (Picture: PA)

Walcott will miss games against Swansea, Napoli and West Brom, meaning German youngster Serge Gnabry will be given another opportunity to shine, and Wenger is backing the 18-year-old to grab his chance.



‘It’s a fantastic opportunity for him,’ Wenger told Arsenal Player. ‘He can play right or left or even behind the striker. He can even play as a striker. I believe against Stoke what I liked in his game is that he grew through the game, he became better and better.

‘He was a bit timid in the first half but in the second half he made some good interceptions, some good passes and some good first touches that I liked.’

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