England winger Theo Walcott will miss next week's World Cup Qualifier against Poland after being ruled out of action for two weeks, according to a report in
The Sun. The Arsenal midfielder was involved in a chest-high collision with San Marino goalkeeper Aldo Simoncini in the Three Lions 5-0 victory on Friday night, which manager Roy Hodgson condemned as "fierce and reckless". Hodgson also claimed the keeper should have been
sent off for the tackle which left Walcott coughing up blood and forced into spending the night in hospital with a bruised lung. Not only will Walcott miss the away World Cup Qualifying clash against Poland next Tuesday, but he will also sit out his clubs weekend fixture against Norwich on October 20th as well as the Gunner's Champions League Group Game against Shalke on the 24th. He might be eligible for contention for the London derby against QPR on October 27th however. The winger was clattered by goalkeeper Simoncini after just five minutes of England's clash with minnows San Marino, and was accompanied to hospital by England doctor Ian Beasley, where he spent the night under observation as a precaution. An FA statement confirmed:
Walcott has been ruled out of the World Cup qualifier with Poland with a chest injury. He was monitored overnight as a precaution and, following scan results, will return to his club for further treatment."
England are already short of cover on the wing, with Manchester United's Ashley Young still short of match fitness having recently recovered from a knee injury. Tottenham's Aaron Lennon deputised for the injured Walcott against San Marino in his first International appearance since 2010, and is expected to continue in that roll against Poland.