Theo Walcott Injury: Updates on Arsenal Star's Groin and Return

Theo Walcott is nursing a groin problem as his injury disrupted season at Arsenal continues, but he was available to play vs. Liverpool on Dec. 21.

Continue for updates.

Sunday, Dec. 21

Walcott Available vs. Liverpool

Arsenal announced Walcott's status: 

Thursday, Dec. 18

Slim Chance of Walcott Return at Anfield

Arsene Wenger has revealed Walcott is back in training, but there is only an outside hope that he'll feature at Liverpool, per Arsenal's official website:

"

He is back in training today [Thursday]. But only today. I might take him, I don’t know yet until he’s back to full training. Let’s see.

"

Monday, Dec. 15

Walcott Eyeing Liverpool

Adrian Kajumba of the Daily Star provides the latest on Arsenal's speedster:

"

Theo Walcott is targeting Arsenal's clash with Liverpool on Sunday for his comeback.

[...] England winger Walcott is hoping to shake off his groin injury to make the Gunners' squad to face the misfiring Reds.

"

Thursday, Dec. 11

Wenger Encouraged by Walcott's Progress

Arsene Wenger talked about Theo Walcott's progress back from injury according to Arsenal's official website:

"

on Theo Walcott…
The signs are quite good. He has had two days of training now but he now lacks competition and fitness to come back to a good level.

"

Friday, Dec. 5

Walcott to Miss At Least 2 More Matches

Arsene Wenger confirmed Walcott will play no part against Stoke or Galatasaray:

Friday, Nov. 28

No Walcott Return at West Brom

Arsene Wenger delivered the latest on Walcott's groin injury:

Tuesday, Nov. 25

Walcott Absent for Dortmund Showdown

Arsene Wenger has revealed Walcott will not be on hand to aid Arsenal's Champions League hopes against Dortmund:

Friday, Nov. 21

Walcott Out of United Match

It has been a long road back to health for Arsenal star Theo Walcott over the past year, but the 25-year-old Englishman has unfortunately hit yet another speed bump.

According to Arsene Wenger, the speedy forward will miss Saturday's Premier League clash with Manchester United, per Arsenal's Twitter account:

Andy Burton of Sky Sports confirms Walcott's latest problem is with his groin:

"

Arsene Wenger says Theo Walcott's injury is a tight groin. Will keep him out of the Man United game. @SkySportsNewsHQ

— Andy Burton (@imandyburton) November 21, 2014"

This injury could be a crushing blow to both Walcott and the Gunners, particularly due to the fact that it wasn't long ago when he returned from a devastating knee injury.

Walcott worked hard to get back on the pitch, and it finally paid off when he appeared for Arsenal in a match against Burnley on Nov. 1, per the English Premier League's official Twitter account:

According to Squawka Football, that ended a 10-month drought between games played:

While Walcott looked as explosive as ever upon his return, the Gunners were careful not to force him into playing big minutes until he was totally ready to do so.

Per Rob Kelly of Arsenal.com, manager Arsene Wenger preached patience as it related to Walcott's progression.

"

In our job, every time you have a big injury, there is a bigger chance of having another. Overall he has been taken care of very well. He is now ready to play again and we just have to leave him in peace and give him the time needed to come back. He has been out for 10 months—I don't know if you realize how long that is. People think it's like mechanics. (Players are) not machines, they are human beings and to get back into the rhythm of the top, top competition will take time.

"

Based on the success Walcott has had at the top level over the years, it would have been easy for Wenger to expedite the process of starting him.

He resisted that urge, but it still wasn't enough to prevent Walcott from suffering yet another injury.

Matt Dunham/Associated Press

Arsenal lose a lot when Walcott is unable to play as he entered the 2014-15 campaign with 69 career goals for the Gunners.

Walcott's absence means the onus will shift back to other dynamic forwards such as Alexis Sanchez and Danny Welbeck. The latter also remains a doubt for the visit of the Red Devils, highlighted by Wenger and Arsenal's feed:

Olivier Giroud could return after three months out with a broken leg, however, as reported by Sky Sports.

Arsenal have enough talent up front to succeed with or without Walcott, but he undoubtedly adds a different dimension to the attack in terms of speed.

Wenger's squad must do all it can to press forward without Walcott, but that will be easier said than done.

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