Wenger - Theo left uncertain

Gunners boss says striker will grow stronger

Last updated: 7th February 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Wenger - Theo left uncertain

Walcott: Wenger backing

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Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says the treatment of Theo Walcott by England has hampered the player's progress.

Wenger says picking the promising young striker for last summer's European Under-21 Championship provided a psychological blow to his confidence, with the physical strain on an extra month's competitive football contributing to a spate of injuries.

Walcott has suffered with back, knee, hamstring and rib problems this season which has seen his involvement in a Gunners shirt restricted to just 13 appearances.

The lack of regular first-team action has led some to question whether the 20-year-old will make Fabio Capello's squad for the World Cup finals in South Africa, just 18 months after he became the youngest player to score a hat-trick for England.

The former Southampton man bagged a stunning treble in the World Cup qualifier against Croatia in Zagreb, but has struggled to build on his early success.

That has led Wenger to criticise the decision to use Walcott in the Under-21 set-up, saying it has affected his state of mind.

He told the News of the World: "It's very important for a player to know where he is.

"And when he goes to national teams and he is moved up and down, he gets uncertain and insecure and you lose him at both levels.

"When you are a football player, you want to know you belong here.

"And once you have made that step, and then you have to go back, you question yourself. And basically, that is what happened to Theo."

The Frenchman gave his backing to his starlet, however, saying he had faith in the pacy frontman's ability to develop into a top player.

Walcott made a £12m move from Southampton in 2006 after bursting onto the scene with the Saints, and was touted as one of the bright stars of the English game.

Questions have surfaced about that assertion, however, although Wenger refuted any suggestions he was frustrated by Walcott's faltering start to a top flight career.

Walcott's finishing ability has come up against some ridicule, but the Gunners boss also shrugged off claims injury would continue to keep him sidelined - and insisted his player would grow stronger.

"I am not frustrated - I have an explanation," said Wenger. "What has stopped Theo Walcott is injuries - and nothing else.

"I can understand why people are starting to question him because there is always an instant judgement.

"But I wouldn't question Theo Walcott because I am convinced he will be a great player.

"He is strong enough. He is very strong. He has gone through two shoulders and that takes much longer than people expect.

"Theo was frustrated but now I see him in training getting back to the right level of competitiveness, going into challenges.

"He will be a great player. There is a strength inside this boy that waits to come out."

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