ARSENE WENGER last night expressed fears that Theo Walcott is in danger of burnout and is expected to leave him out of the Arsenal squad that faces Everton today.
The 19-year-old was withdrawn after 68 minutes of England's 3-1 win in Belarus and Wenger is worried the forward is beginning to feel the effects of a season in which he has established himself at domestic and international level.
"Walcott has come back available [from Belarus] but I might rest him because he played in Minsk," he said. "I felt when Walcott went away with England after the Sunderland game [Arsenal's last fixture], he looked tired . . . he plays with a lot of energy. Every time he goes, he goes 100 per cent."
Walcott has featured in every one of Arsenal's matches this season and became a regular for England with his hat-trick in the 4-1 win against Croatia last month. But that has meant him playing 14 matches in the past two months, a great step up from his 21 starts in all of last season.
Walcott should return to the starting line-up for Tuesday's Champions League visit to Fenerbahce. "Theo is now a man in the fight, he has more power than a year ago," said Wenger. "He's the guy who can make the difference going forward."
Arsenal go into this afternoon's game four points off Chelsea and having to cope with injuries, the most recent being those picked up by Bacary Sagna, William Gallas and Nicklas Bendtner during the midweek internationals. That puts an even greater emphasis on the young, inexperienced players, something Cesc Fabregas has said will harm the club's chances. But his manager disagrees.
"We lack experience but we can compensate with our great desire to win," said Wenger, who could give Mikael Silvestre a first start. "Denilson and Alexander Song are close to being big players and Sami Nasri will have a huge impact here."
• Guardian Service
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