Theo Walcott raring to pick up where he left off

James Olley
25 Sep 2009

Theo Walcott today revealed how Tomas Rosicky's injury nightmare helped him come to terms with the fitness setbacks that he believes have robbed him of the best form of his career.

After several years brimming with potential, the 20-year-old seemed ready to deliver consistently on the big stage after a stunning hat-trick for England in Croatia last November. But a four-month lay-off due to shoulder surgery denied him the chance to build on that devastating display as Arsenal faltered and England thrived in his absence.

Walcott missed the start of the season with a back problem sustained while training prior to last month's friendly with Holland and the winger admits he is desperate to prove he has left any inconsistencies behind.

Rosicky had been sidelined since January 2008 with ongoing hamstring and knee injuries until his return earlier this month and Walcott claims the Czech midfielder's attitude towards such an extended lay-off inspired his own rehabilitation.

"It is always frustrating when you are injured - you don't want to be sitting on the sidelines watching your team-mates struggle - as we did at times last season," he said.

"The best thing is just to come in all smiles when you have your treatment and work very hard when you are out injured. For me, just watching Tomas Rosicky was an inspiration because he was out for 20 months and, by comparison, me being out for a few months is no big deal.

"I think my game was going to a new level before I got injured but you always get the odd injury. Hopefully this will be my last one.

"I haven't had much of a pre-season or any games. I've had 45 minutes and that's it - it will take me a few games to get back into the flow but I am raring to go and I am sure it will come."

Walcott's injuries have denied him the opportunity to play in manager Arsene Wenger's 4-3-3 system until now and Fulham are likely to witness his introduction into that system from the bench tomorrow.

Arsenal's tight midfield trio allow the wingers licence to attack and given Walcott is not pre-disposed to defensive discipline, it appears on paper to be a good fit, especially given his past success under similar instructions.

"The boss has changed the formation to 4-3-3 and I think that will help us play more attacking football and free me up down that right side," said Walcott. "I played for Southampton Under17s in a 4-3-3 formation on the right wing and I really enjoyed it. It gives me the chance to go and attack defenders and I can't wait to get back into the team and show what I can do."

It is not just the system that Wenger has worked on, as Arsenal's last visit to Fulham yielded a defeat to a solitary unanswered goal that came courtesy of a simple header from a corner.

That rudimentary error was repeated in subsequent weeks - most notably in losing to Hull City at Emirates Stadium - to prompt major concerns over their ability to defend set-pieces.

However, the Gunners return to Craven Cottage tomorrow with centre-back Thomas Vermaelen top scorer after proving himself a major threat from dead ball situations.

Defensive partner William Gallas also has two goals to his name and Wenger believes his team have worked hard on turning their major weakness of the early part of last season into a significant positive.

"I feel we have improved in the quality of our defending from set-pieces because we have better headers of the ball," he said. "Offensively, it is linked with the quality of the delivery and we have some very good players who can deliver great balls, you just need to be in the right place. After that it is linked with confidence. The more people say you have a problem with defending set-pieces, the more it becomes a problem just because people say it is."

Goalkeeper Vito Mannone will get the chance to continue in goal but his resolve will be tested once again after two unconvincing appearances.

For Walcott, the game provides a return to action after having the chance to help raise funds for the Willow Foundation, a charity set up by Arsenal legend Bob Wilson to provide special days for seriously ill 16 to 40-year-olds.

Walcott is one of a number of footballers who kicked a ball through paint onto a canvas to create a piece of conceptual art in a collection that is on show at the Catto Gallery in Hampstead until Sunday.

“Back in school I took art as a GCSE and I got a C which I was happy with,” added Walcott.
Wenger for one will be delighted Walcott can once again perform his artistry out on the pitch.

* The artwork can be purchased online at www.willowfoundation.org.uk/artofsport