Walcott adds to Wenger's injury woes

Arsene Wenger's problems this week have mounted with the news England winger Theo Walcott has picked up a hamstring injury and will miss Saturday's Barclays Premier League clash against Stoke.

Walcott, 20, played the second half of the 3-0 defeat by Chelsea on Sunday, with Gunners manager Wenger then selecting his fringe players for the Carling Cup loss to Manchester City by the same scoreline.

The hamstring complaint is described by Arsenal as 'short term', and Walcott will be desperate to return as soon as possible as he is yet to complete a match this season after shoulder and knee problems.

Wenger also has Alex Song suspended for the Stoke game at the Emirates Stadium but right-back Bacary Sagna has recovered from his ankle injury.

'We had Sagna out injured but, normally, he will be available,' said Wenger. 'However, Theo Walcott will not be available. He has a hamstring injury.

'As for the other players we had injured, the long-term ones I do not even speak about. But the players who looked to be shorter - like (Gael) Clichy, (Abou) Diaby and (Nicklas) Bendtner - will not be available. And, of course, Song is suspended for the weekend.'