• Champions League

Ill Walcott doubtful for Arsenal's clash with Schalke

ESPN staff
November 5, 2012
Doubtful: Arsene Wenger is monitoring the fitness of Theo Walcott © Getty Images
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Arsenal have made the trip to Germany for their Champions League clash with Schalke without Aaron Ramsey who has been ruled out through injury, while Theo Walcott is doubtful due to illness.

The Gunners are licking their wounds following the abject display at Manchester United at the weekend and cannot afford a second successive defeat to Schalke - having been beaten by the Bundesliga outfit at the end of October.

Manager Arsene Wenger, who said following the loss to United that his side are not firing on all cylinders, will not have Wales midfielder Ramsey to call on due to a groin strain.

Walcott netted a hat-trick in the Capital One Cup win over Reading last week but he is far from guaranteed a start in Germany as he has been struck down by sickness. The England international has travelled with the squad and will be assessed on Tuesday morning.

"He has been sick overnight and in practice today and we will have to see how he is tomorrow morning," Wenger said.

Wenger has taken a squad of 18 to Gelsenkirchen, with keeper James Shea replacing Damian Martinez in the squad as the latter is ineligible.

Vito Mannone will continue in goal as Wojciech Szczesny is still not yet fit for selection.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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