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The SIX possible candidates to fill in for Theo

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Theo Walcott has been ruled out for the rest of the season after suffering a serious hamstring injury during our dull 0-0 draw with Chelsea yesterday afternoon.

He picked up the injury in the 58th minute, yet the 23-year-old decided to play on, despite Arsene Wenger wanting to replace him immediately. Three minutes later however, he was withdrawn after aggravating the injury further.

During the post match interview, a frustrated Wenger spoke of Theo’s injury and effectively ruled him out for the remaining three fixtures.

The Frenchman said:

‘He wanted to stay on the pitch and carry on but I felt he should have moved off straight away.

‘The second time it was a real problem. It looks a serious hamstring. Now it will be tough to return before the end of the season.’

He added:

‘He should be OK for England. I don’t think he’ll be ready to play for us.’

To be honest, and I know this may come as a shock to many Arsenal fans out there, but I don’t we’ll miss him.

I know he has produced nine assists and scored the same amount of goals, but in truth, Theo has been very inconsistent and ineffective in a lot, a lot of games this season. I for one have been left unimpressed and frustrated more times than delighted with his performances this term.

In any case, with Theo out and vacating his right wing role until next season’s campaign, who should step in?

Well I believe there are six possible candidates for Wenger to consider for the job:

Andre Santos

Despite Santos being a left sided player, Wenger could decide to play the Brazilian on the right wing. He may not be as comfortable in this position as he would on the other side of the field, but it would give the 29-year-old a chance to cut inside and have some shots on goal. It’s an option for Arsene to think about, but probably the least likely out of the five choices – suitability rating: 5/10

Abou Diaby

The French midfielder has played in these wide positions in the past and has been fairly productive when he has done. Has just come back from injury which may concern Wenger, but did feature in yesterdays 0-0 draw with Chelsea, and looked in good shape – suitability rating: 5/10

Aaron Ramsey

Is well out-of-form and has increasingly become a figure of abuse for The Emirates boo-boys. However, Wenger has kept the faith in Rambo and continues to feature him in the line-up. Taking this into account, the Frenchman may decide to slot him into the wide role to give him more time on the pitch and boost his confidence. I wouldn’t personally, but Wenger may decide to do so – suitability rating: 5/10

Yossi Benayoun

Has started Arsenal’s last two fixtures, and I’m pretty sure he would’ve started yesterday if he wasn’t ineligible. The Israeli is a very determined and seasoned professional who can create chances and doesn’t shun away from his defensive duties. A very possible option for Wenger to think about – suitability rating: 7/10

Gervinho

Can play on either flank, but looks more comfortable on the left one I think. Looks out-of-form and not really a goal threat, which may worry Arsene, but the Ivorian is a tricky customer who can cause problems – suitability rating: 8/10

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

The obvious choice. If he’s not picked to play on the left wing then he should occupy Walcott’s position for the next three games. Is great going forward and not afraid to take on full-backs. His inexperience may play a part in Wenger’s decision-making, but I believe The Ox should be unleashed on Stoke, Norwich and West Brom – suitability rating: 9/10

Who do you guys think should fill in for Theo?

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50 comments

  • the don says:

    it will be santos agains stoke.

    stoke are a good stong team.
    it wont be a game that alex will enjoy.

    santos looked very good when he come on agains chealse going foward and he will help gibbs aswel.

    with gervinhio on the right .

  • Sebastian says:

    People should stop abusing Ramsy.
    Yes he’s rubbish.
    Yes he’s destroyed any chance arsenal have of winning when he plays.
    Yes he makes Denilson look good.
    He he’s over rated over paid and full of crap.
    Yes he misses and shows more shameless bad displays every week.
    Yes he’s a bad passer and no vision.
    But he warms the bench amazingly for other real players to enjoy when they wanna rest.
    Makes good tea.
    Shines shoes.
    Surely that is worth the high wages to keep him and selling cesc.
    Surely Arsene.

    • Josh says:

      No vision? Did you see the pass he did on Saturday? The one to RVP?
      “Fans” who constantly have a go at Walcott and now Ramsey need to fuck off. You think you are helping by groaning and booing? Idiots.
      I don’t know who you supported last season but did you watch the Arsenal vs. Man Utd game? Ramsey was unbelievable, now piss off back to Spurs.

      • Big-D says:

        Fuck off armchair Arsenal supporter. We do not need your negativity at this club, nor do we want it.

        • Steveo says:

          Calm down, big D… A big lad like you could do some proper damage with a full head of steam like that. Deep breaths, big man. You replied to the wrong comment. Josh was being positive. It was the guy above him being negative. Now, big D, get your proper rage on again, but this time charge at Sebastian, not Josh.. try not to get your ‘guys with posh names’ mixed up in the future, big man. Could end up badly.

          Just out of interest, big man, don’t you have armchairs in your house? Or would you stand if the game was on? Obviously you go to all the games ‘cos you’re a proper geezer, but if they were playing in Moscow on a school night? Would you stand by your easy chair or sofa on point of principle? You are probably the kind of big hard lad who only allows wooden benches in your front room, no ?

  • kc says:

    Benhayoun will be the one, as he has experience and work ethic, especially against teams like Stoke. Santos can also play there, as he had done for Fenebache
    Diaby or Coq should replace Ramsey. He is absolutely knacked. If he plays at the Olympics, his progress next year will suffer further.

  • Stav says:

    I suspect Benny or Gervinho will replace Theo, with The Ox coming on as an option in the 2nd half. I dont see the point of trying to play a central midfield player on the wings (Rambo, Diaby or Le Coq).

    I would love to see Le Coq play, but in the middle of the pitch where he belongs! Here we go:

    Szezza
    Sagna Kos Verm Gibbs
    Song Le Coq
    Rosicky
    Benny Gervinho
    RVP

  • Naz says:

    Gervinho on right. He cuts onto his right peg far too much to play wide left.

  • G. Mann says:

    IT IS A SHAME HE DID NOT GET INJURED EARLIER IN THE SEASON – HE IS ABSOLUTELY SHIT!!!! WILL DEFINITELY NOT BE MISSED!

  • Marc B says:

    Well said G Mann, can’t believe the comments i’m reading on here, can’t people see the guy play? The man runs down dead ends 80% of the time. You can make stats say whatever you want, Walcott has one good game and eight bad games, no consistency whatsover. The fact we will miss him has nothing to do with how good he is, it’s more to do with how poor the squad is. Overrated cos he’s English!

  • clockendjim says:

    I still think and hope that Gervinho will click and become the player he promised to be when he first arrived. His running at Chelsea towards the end of the game caused them more bother than anything that had gone before. Therefore I would like to see him given the run-in for the rest of the season.
    Another eye-opener was how good Santos looked in midfield. I think he could be our next Gilberto given the opportunity, especially as Ramsey looks absolutely drained right now and I would like to see him start there.

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