Theo Walcott has been backed to return “as strong as ever” following the news that he will miss the rest of the season and the World Cup.
The England and Arsenal winger was ruled out for six months earlier this week after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury during last week’s FA Cup game with Tottenham Hotspur.
But Gunners boss Arsene Wenger believes the 24-year-old is mentally strong enough to make a full recovery and be back to his best for next season.
Theo Walcott gestures as he is stretchered off against Spurs.
"Theo is handling it as well as you can when you have had such a shock,” revealed Wenger.
“He is mentally strong, is very balanced as a person and he can put it into perspective.
"We know that he will have the dedication and the serious attitude to come back as strong as ever."
With England preparing for a World Cup this summer and Arsenal challenging for the Premier League title, Walcott’s injury is a real blow for both club and country.
And Wenger felt the former Southampton star was beginning to show his best form at the right time of the season, with plenty to look forward to in 2014.
"We have lost a very talented player, a very intelligent player and a player who was just grabbing his form again,” added Wenger, speaking to Arsenal Player.
“We have lost a very talented player.”
Arsene Wenger
"From game to game, he became more influential, you have seen a complete player.
"He can always decide a game through a final ball or through a goal, sometimes in the same game he does both.
"I felt against Tottenham he had a very convincing performance because he integrates well our style of play as he has been here for so many years now.
"When we combine at a high pace he is involved in it because he understands exactly what we want to do.
"[Now] He has surgery and then it's rehab. You know that it is six months and that you hope it all goes well. The only thing I can say is it's very sad news for us and above all for him."
