Theo Walcott

News broke on Monday evening that Theo Walcott had suffered an ankle knock that may cause him to miss the start of the new season. Walcott had to be assisted off of the pitch by team mates causing serious doubts about his availability for Arsenal’s opener with Aston Villa this Saturday.

However Roy Hodgson has relayed Arsenal and England fans fears by stating the injury was nothing but a minor knock and was taken away from training as a precaution.

"Theo took a slight knock at the end of training, but we believe he'll be okay. He's very much still in contention.” stated Hodgson.

Jack Wilshere

Another key name that Arsene Wenger is keen to protect is Jack Wilshere. Wilshere has only played a bit-part role in Arsenal’s pre season preparation and Hodgson has promised Wenger that he will be cautious with the 21 year old.

"I have not had the benefit of Jack Wilshere for a qualifying match or an important match so we are pleased to have him back,".

“We are aware of the fact that Arsene is careful with him at Arsenal and I will be careful with him as well”, said the England Boss.

"We are spoilt for choice in that we have enormous riches in the central midfield area. I was very pleased with Michael Carrick and Frank Lampard in the Brazil and Ireland fixtures and I am delighted with Steven Gerrard and Jack Wilshere and that is just naming four. We have others who can compete as well."

Wenger does not want one of his main men ruling himself out of Arsenal’s fixture with Villa on Saturday by over-exerting himself at Wembley. He will be hoping that Hodgson sticks to his promise and that he plays 45 minutes maximum tomorrow.

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