Arsene Wenger "concerned" by Theo Walcott's 'damaged mindset'

By Daniel Lewis, Senior Reporter | 03 April 2015

Arsene Wenger believes that Theo Walcott may have returned from international duty with England as a 'damaged' man, due to being fielded in an unorthodox role.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has voiced his concern over the 'damaged mindset' of Theo Walcott, following the forward's miserable evening against Italy earlier this week.

The 26-year-old, who is out of contract at the Emirates Stadium this summer, was fielded as a striker by England boss Roy Hodgson in Turin, before dropping back to play at the tip of a midfield diamond.

Walcott struggled to make an impact in the unorthodox role, a position Wenger admits that he has never even trained in before, and upon his return to Arsenal there is a concern that he may now take some time to get back up to speed.

"Theo's sensitive and I'm a bit concerned about the damage that game can have on his mind," the Gunners boss is quoted as saying by The Telegraph. "Being exposed like that, people have a harsh judgement on him that is not deserved.

"I don't think it was the intention of Roy Hodgson to play him there. It was maybe [Wayne] Rooney who took the initiative during the game to play higher up and tell Theo to drop back. I haven't seen Roy Hodgson in the game standing up to say: 'Walcott, you come and play in midfield and Rooney you go up front.' That's an initiative they took on the pitch.

"It was a complicated game for the strikers because Italy defended with three centre-backs, two players in front of the two centre-backs and England played all in there so there was no room, no space."

Walcott has been linked with a move away from Arsenal when his contract expires, with Chelsea the latest club to have reportedly shown an interest in signing the Englishman.