Wenger needs you: Three explosive Arsenal players who can fill the Walcott void

Hearts no doubt sank when news of Theo Walcott‘s long-term knee injury broke. He had made quite an impact since returning from his abdominal injury late last year, netting five goals in five games. He was high on confidence and determined to lend as big a hand as he could to Arsenal’s title push. This setback, however, deprives him of the opportunity to help not only Arsenal, but England at the World Cup.

It’s a devastating situation for the player, understandably, as well as for Arsene Wenger, who values the directness that Walcott brings to his attack. But looking on the bright side, the Frenchman will be relieved that this happened at a time when he can do something about it, with the January transfer window having just opened. But before he pulls out his chequebook, he’ll be keen to give some of the players he already has an opportunity to step up in the 24-year-old’s absence. Here are three who have the ability to offset the loss of Walcott.

1. Lukas Podolski

The German hasn’t been back from injury too long himself after spending several months on the sidelines. He made up for lost time immediately, however, by coming of the bench against West Ham United to grab a goal and play a significant part in another.

He too is a direct player, one who enjoys coming in off the left flank to link up with players in and around the penalty area as well as make runs through on goal. He did just that against the Hammers. In fact, that’s how he got his goal. Wenger will be hoping for more of the same in the coming months.

In his four Premier League games this season, Podolski has scored three goals, whilst also attaining a shot accuracy of 80%. Very impressive figures from the thunderous German.

2. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

“The Ox” was another of Arsenal’s long-term casualties this season after going down to a knee injury on the opening day of the season. Fortunately for Wenger and Arsenal, he has just returned to full training.

He too is another very direct player on the ball. He is keen to get on it and run at defenders, using his pace and trickery. He isn’t much of a goalscorer like his compatriot Walcott, but he can certainly wreak havoc in the final third when he is on form. He will need time to get back into his groove, but Wenger will be hoping he doesn’t take too much time, as last season, Oxlade-Chamberlain created 19 chances, getting three assists.

3. Serge Gnabry

The youngest of them all, but arguably the most exciting of the three, the 18-year-old German has impressed whenever called upon this season, most recently in the Gunners’ 2-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur in the FA Cup, where he set up Santi Cazorla for the opening goal.

Following that performance, he came out and said that he was eager for more opportunities and that he had learnt a lotfrom Walcott. Hopefully, he has learnt enough to help see Arsenal through the rest of their campaign.

In the Premier League, Gnabry has already scored once, which was against Swansea. While in his five league appearances, he has created three chances, with a decent shot accuracy of 75%. The youngster’s passing has been impressive too, the 18-year-old has completed 86% of his passes, demonstrating the composure and technique in his game.