Gerrard and Walcott ruled out for season start
Published 23:02 30/07/11 By Steve Stammers and Simon Mullock
Steven Gerrard and Theo Walcott will miss the start of the new season.
Sunday Mirror Sport revealed last week that Gerrard was still being plagued by a long-term groin problem. Yesterday the Liverpool skipper went into hospital treatment and will not be available until September at the earliest.
And Arsenal winger Walcott has undergone an operation on his ankle and must now rest for 10 days.
That puts a question mark against him being fit for the opening match of the Premier League campaign against Newcastle at St James’ Park.
If Walcott is ruled out of that clash, he will also be absent when England take on Holland in a friendly at Wembley the following week.
Liverpool fans fear that Gerrard faces a long lay-off. An Anfield spokesman said last night: “Steven today began a course of antibiotic treatment for an infection related to a groin problem.
“He is expected to remain in hospital for several days while the precautionary procedure is completed.
“He will then return to Melwood to continue his rehabilitation and is expected to be available for selection in September.”
Arsenal have made it clear to Cesc Fabregas that they will block his move to Barcelona unless the full asking price of £35 million is met by the Champions League winners.
Arsene Wenger excluded Fabregas from the squad that contested the Emirates Cup over the weekend.
Wenger felt that all the transfer talk has affected the focus of his captain.
Barcelona are expected to up their bid to Arsenal’s valuation this week.
