Walcott return a boost-Gibbs

Walcott

Arsenal forward Theo Walcott’s return from a long-term injury is well timed after Mesut Ozil’s latest setback, says defender Kieran Gibbs.

The pacy England international has been out of action since a cruciate ligament injury in January but returned to training during the international break.

It follows Germany star Ozil being ruled out for up to three months and Gibbs is glad to have his English team-mate back in action.

“It is good to have Theo Walcott in the team because he is such an important player for us,” he wrote on Sportlobster.com. “Theo coming back will give us a big boost.

“It is difficult to get over an injury like his and it takes a lot of commitment and dedication but he will be fitter and stronger than ever.

“The timing of his return is pretty good, what with Ozil being injured – this was a big blow for us.”

Danny Welbeck has made a strong start to his Arsenal career since joining for €20 million from Manchester United on deadline day and Gibbs has been impressed with the striker so far.

The left-back remarked: “Danny is going to be very important for Arsenal because he’s given us another dimension to our play.

“His hold-up play is good and he is quick and strong. He can also run behind the final defender. His attitude is spot-on and his move to the club seems to have given him a new challenge, which he is rising to.

“I am pleased to see him performing so well and scoring goals regularly, which we knew he could do.

“When you look at our squad and when everyone is fit, we believe we can do good things,” Gibbs added, “and therefore we need everyone healthy as soon as possible.”
By Goal