Thursday's football rumour mill
Thursday, 20 Nov 2008 09:39
How long will Theo Walcott's shoulder keep him out?
There are conflicting reports in the press over the condition of Arsenal star Theo Walcott, who may or may not require shoulder surgery.
The 19-year-old suffered a dislocation of the joint during England training in midweek - ruling him out of last night's 2-1 friendly win over Germany in Berlin.
But with the Gunners' press office remaining tight-lipped over Walcott's condition, and even the most basic of details over his visit to a specialist, the press are speculating he could be out for anything between a month and three months.
Some are saying he will not need surgery after he was treated immediately after the injury originally occurred.
Others are suggesting either
Arsene Wenger or Walcott himself are urging an operation immediately so he can be back playing as soon as possible.
While a third camp believe he will need surgery but it is due to be delayed through a series of injections until after the Gunners' Champions League group stage is over.
The bottom line is this - no one in the
press cordon really has any idea whatsoever.
Elsewhere, West Ham's
Robert Green or Manchester United's
Ben Foster are the leading candidates for a loan deal to White Hart Lane this January to take over from error-prone
Heurelho Gomes at Spurs.
Aston Villa boss
Martin O'Neill is preparing a £7.5 million raid on Standard Liege for their midfielder
Steven Defour, who is also a target for Arsenal.
And Paraguayan striker
Roque Santa Cruz looks set to leave Blackburn Rovers in the upcoming transfer window to rejoin former boss
Mark Hughes at his new club - money-bags' Manchester City.