Theo Walcott injury: Arsenal forward dashes any hopes of World Cup 2014 inclusion by electing to undergo full and safe operation
Walcott had been offered a chance of featuring in Brazil by undergoing a risky procedure using a synthetic tendon to repair his ruptured anterior cruciate ligament
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Arsenal winger Theo Walcott has rejected the chance to take a ‘quick fix’ option in his recovery from a serious knee injury, turning down the approaches from specialists and surgeons who claim they can get him fit for the World Cup later this year.
Walcott was carried off the Emirates pitch late-on during the 2-0 FA Cup victory over Tottenham last Sunday, and a scan showed he had ruptured his anterior cruciate knee ligament, meaning his season was immediately over.
The England international was quickly approached by leading surgeons worldwide who claim they could give the forward a chance of making Brazil later this year, but Walcott has decided against the option in order to undergo a full and safe recovery period.
Walcott met his surgeon in London earlier this week to set out the recovery plans, where he was informed that there are possible operations that could see him playing again in three or four months, although he would have to go abroad to seek the treatment.
Using the safest method, Walcott will undergo a patella tendon graft to reattach the ruptured ligament, before starting a long and gruelling rehabilitation period.
The alternative option would require a synthetic tendon to be used, although potential serious issues could arise should his body reject it. The same problems could occur if a tendon from a dead body is used.
Speaking about Walcott’s condition, Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger said: “Theo is handling it as well as you can when you have had such a shock because he’s mentally strong, he’s 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.
“We lost a very talented player, a very intelligent player and a player who was just grabbing his form again. From game to game he became more influential, you’ve seen a complete player.”
Video: Wenger on Walcott's injury
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments