The news of Theo Walcott’s dislocated shoulder is yet another major blow to Arsenal’s dwindling title challenge. The emergence of the lightening-healed winger has been one of few success stories to come out of the Emirates so far this season but with Walcott facing up to a month or more on the sidelines, Wenger must now look to spread the burden of his absence.

Classed as a forward in many games, Walcott’s injury is not a major concern to fantasy managers but the the increased responsibility on Samir Nasri and perhaps even the introduction of Jack Wilshere, could well be of interest…

Walcott suffered the dislocation whilst in training with England yesterday, in preparation for tonight’s friendly with Germany. With the Arsenal man recently suffering a shoulder injury in a now notorious clash with Rory Delap just a few weeks ago, you have to ask whether Walcott has developed a weak spot in that area. The winger also suffered shoulder injuries in September 2006 and March 2007 – that’s either very unlucky or there’s a problem.

While Arsenal are yet to issue a full statement, Walcott is being examined by the England’s medical staff and we can expect news later this week. It’s likely he will face at least a month on the sidelines, although some reports are suggesting that his absence could extend to 12 weeks.

That will leave Wenger, who is already without Rosicky wide on the right, having to place more responsibility on the shoulders of Samir Nasri. The Frenchman has sparkled in spells since his arrival at the Emirates but his place in the Arsenal lineup seemed far from assured with Walcott installed on one wing and the likes of Eboue, Denilson and Diaby offering more defensively minded options for the other.

Now however, the right-footed Nasri could be set for an unchallenged run in the Arsenal side which could see him flourish further. There’s even a chance that Wenger may fast track Jack Wilshere who could see action from the bench in the week’s to come. That will likely depend on Walcott’s prognosis.

One thing is for sure, without the suspended Fabregas and now Walcott, Arsenal’s lineup at City at the weekend is going to be severely depleted; it will be very interesting to see how Wenger looks to compensate for this major loss of creativity. The returning Adebayor and Van Persie will need to step up, that’s for sure.