No way through: Arsenal made most of the running in an underwhelming London derby

Four years later he was omitted from the party that travelled to South Africa by former boss Fabio Capello, even though the Italian later admitted he made a mistake.

Wenger said 21 days was likely to be the minimum healing time for Walcott, who has been cursed with shoulder, back, knee and hamstring problems.

In 2009-10 he was restricted to 15 starts but appeared to be back to full fitness this season. He scored the fourth goal in Arsenal's 5-3 win over Chelsea in the corresponding fixture at the end of October, voted by Arsenal fans as goal of the month.

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