Walcott’s stomach surgery was a success

LONDON. — Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says Theo Walcott’s stomach surgery in Germany was a success and that he expected him to return to full fitness ahead of the visit of Norwich City on October 19.
The England forward complained of abdominal pain in the final warm-up before the victory over Stoke at the Britannia Stadium before being withdrawn from the starting line-up.

The club decided to send Walcott abroad for an operation and Wenger told Sky Sports News: “Walcott had surgery and it went very well. He’s coming back (from Germany) on Thursday (yesterday) so it’s what we expected there were no complications.” Walcott will be unavailable for England’s closing Group H qualifiers against Poland and Montenegro — a Wembley double-header which will determine whether Roy Hodgson’s side qualify automatically for Brazil.

Walcott started both England’s September qualifiers, a 4-0 win against Moldova and a goalless draw in Ukraine.
Meanwhile, Arsenal boss Wenger was pleased with Nicklas Bendtner’s return to the first-team in their Capital One Cup triumph at West Brom.

The Dane played and helped the Gunners to a penalty shoot-out Capital One Cup victory at West Brom in his first appearance for the London club for over two years.

Bendtner — whose last Arsenal run-out had come in August 2011, since when he had been loaned to Sunderland and Juventus and then failed to secure another move over the summer — spearheaded the attack in a first XI showing nine changes from Sunday’s Premier League win over Stoke.

Asked about Bendtner after the third-round tie, Wenger said: “I thought overall he had a good game.
“For a guy who has not played for such a long time, and on his own up front, he did very well.”

“One thing you don’t question too much with him is his confidence.
“I believe for Nicklas, the most important thing for him is to stay fit. As for the rest, he has the talent.
“It is important that he is now consistently present and works hard physically. He has top qualities.”

Wenger fielded several young players inexperienced at this level, such as 20-year-old first-time starter Thomas Eisfeld, debutant Isaac Hayden, Kris Olsson — another making his senior bow — and Chuba Akpom, with the latter pair coming off the bench and scoring in the shoot-out.

Wenger, whose team host Chelsea in round four, said: “I am proud. We played with many young players and they showed they are not only good footballers, but that they can fight as well.” — AFP.