Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is delighted to have midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain back from injury, but he has admitted that he is not the direct replacement for injured Theo Walcott.
The 20-year-old has been out injured for five months now, but finally made his return to action for the U-21s last night against Fulham and could be ready for a place on the bench for Monday Night’s game against Aston Villa at Villa Park.
It was in fact the first game of the season against Aston Villa which Chamberlain suffered the injury, and Wenger believes he could make his return on Monday night.
However, the Frenchman believes Chamberlain is not the exact replacement for Walcott, who will now miss the rest of the season.
“I would have no hesitation,” the boss said. “I don’t know yet. The most important thing is that he played and came through it well. We’ll see how he is but he’s been out for five months. It takes some time to play in the Premier League.
“It’s good to have him back. But [Walcott and him] are different types of players. Oxlade-Chamberlain is a bit more of a midfielder and Walcott is more a striker type. One doesn’t compensate the other one because they are different players.”
Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles
