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Arsenal lose Theo Walcott for six months to an ACL tear

Bayern Munich won't have to face Theo Walcott in the Champions League.

Martin Rose

When the Champions League draw came out, there were some mixed emotions when Bayern Munich and Arsenal ended up facing each other in the Round of 16. On the one hand, Arsenal were the best team out of the group of potential opponents for Bayern, and you don't necessarily want to play the best team right out of the gate. However, you don't want an easy draw and enter the quarterfinals unprepared. Well, it looks like things just got a little easier for FC Bayern.

The specific diagnosis is a torn ACL in his left knee. He's out for at least six months, which means he will also miss this summer's World Cup. If everything goes to plan, Walcott will return for Arsenal for the start of next season.

For Bayern, this makes their tie against Arsenal in the Champions League a little easier. Walcott's absence will allow the fullbacks to press higher up the field without being too scared of being consistently beaten for speed behind them by the speedy Walcott.

As a fan of a team that's been dealing with a crazy number of injuries this season, I do feel for Arsenal fans. We wish Walcott nothing but the best as he recovers from the injury.

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