Arsenal’s Theo Walcott ruled out of action until mid-October

Arsenal have suffered another injury blow after it was confirmed that Theo Walcott is to undergo abdominal surgery and will be out of action until mid-October.

The 24-year-old England international, who sat out Sunday’s 3-1 win over Stoke City after sustaining “slight damage” to his posterior abdominal wall, will have an operation in Germany on Wednesday to address the problem.

Arsenal said that the “minor” procedure should allow the forward to be back available soon after next month’s international break, but confirmed that he will miss England’s decisive World Cup qualifiers against Montenegro and Poland.

“Theo will be out for a few weeks,” manager Arsene Wenger told Arsenal’s website.

“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.”

Walcott joins Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Santi Cazorla, Lukas Podolski, Tomas Rosicky, Abou Diaby and Yaya Sanogo on the sidelines.