Carl Jenkinson admits Arsenal are going to miss “unique” Theo Walcott – but is backing the Gunners forward to come back “better and stronger” from his injury.
The 24-year-old will miss the remainder of the Premier League campaign, as well as the World Cup, after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury in a 2-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.
I am disappointed that we have lost him for the rest of the season because he is a massive player for us
Carl Jenkinson
Walcott had scored five goals and made three assists in the England internatonal’s last nine Premier League appearances, helping the Gunners maintain their lead at the top of the table.
And Arsenal right-back Jenkinson acknowledged Walcott’s injury blow was the worst news that the north London club had received this season – so far.
“If anybody is going to come back better and stronger, it is Theo,” Jenkinson told Arsenal’s website.
“He is incredibly focused and mentally he is a very strong character.
“Theo will be fine, I have no doubts about that. I am disappointed that we have lost him for the rest of the season because he is a massive player for us and brings us something unique.
“It is tough to see one of your friends out for a long period of time. You wouldn’t wish it on anybody and it is probably the worst news we have had all season. He had only just come back from a previous injury and had been scoring goals for fun, so from both points of views it it terrible news.
“But Theo is a very strong guy and while it may take a bit of time to take it all in, he will just get on with things and fingers crossed the time flies by, for his sake and for ours.”