Ox offers get well soon message to Arsenal friend

England's Theo Walcott (left) lies injured on the ground after a collision with San Marino's goalkeeper Aldo Simoncini (right). Photo credit: Nigel French/PA wire

Saturday, October 13, 2012
10:10 AM

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is hoping Arsenal team-mate Theo Walcott has a speedy recovery because he believes his fellow Southampton graduate is an important player for Englande.

The 19-year-old Gunner netted his first ever England goal in the 5-0 stroll against San Marino last night to put him in the frame to face Poland on Tuesday.

The chances for his friend hang in the balance as he had X-rays on his chest and spent the night in hospital after a reckless challenge by opposition keeper Aldo Simoncini.

Oxlade-Chamberlain said: “He’s important for England and important for Arsenal and obviously he’s my friend as well, so I wish him a speedy recovery.”

Tuesday’s Group H clash in Poland will be a significantly more difficult challenge than playing the joint worst Fifa ranked side in the world.

Oxlade-Chamberlain said: “Their fans will be right up for it, so it’ll be a very hard game for us and we’re going to prepare for it in the same way we do every game, with respect for the opposition.”