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Walcott has shoulder surgery

20/11/2008

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has confirmed that Theo Walcott was sent for surgery on his dislocated shoulder this morning and could be out for up to three months.

The 19-year-old injured the joint for the second time in two years after slipping during an England training session ahead of last night's international friendly in Berlin.

After being sent home for a detailed assessment by the Gunners medical staff, Wenger confirmed today that Walcott had surgery this morning.

But the Frenchman - who has been one of the fiercest critics of mid-season international friendlies for this very reason - refused to blame the Football Association over the incident and declined to comment on a possible compensation claim.

"I'm disappointed because he is an important part of the squad, but that could have happened in training here," Wenger said.

"It was an accident and I do not blame the FA for that. It was accidental in training and I accept that."

He added: "In a moment like this you do not think about compensation - you think about how you can replace the player."