Published: 9 January, 2014
by STEVE BARNETT

CARL Jenkinson has backed his friend and team-mate Theo Walcott to bounce back from his knee injury and the heartache of missing out on this summer’s World Cup in Brazil.

Walcott has been ruled out for at least six months after sustaining a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament on his left knee during Arsenal’s 2-0 win against Spurs on Saturday in the third round of the FA Cup.

Jenkinson said the whole squad was disappointed by the news, but insists Walcott will make a full recovery and will be even “better and stronger” when he returns.

“He is incredibly focused and mentally he is a very strong character,” he told Arsenal.com

“If anybody is going to come back better and stronger, it is Theo. I have no doubts about that.

“I am disappointed that we  have lost him for the rest of the season because he is a massive player for us and brings us something unique.

“It is tough to see one of your friends out for a long period. You wouldn’t wish it on anybody and it’s probably the worst news we have had all season.

“He’d only just come back from a previous injury and had been scoring goals for fun, so from both points of views it is ­terrible news. But Theo is a very strong guy and while it may take a bit of time, he will just get on with things and, fingers crossed the time flies by, for his sake and for ours.”