Fantasy managers were handed the first injury of the international period to consider this afternoon – before a ball has even been kicked. Theo Walcott has been ruled out of England’s upcoming fixtures against San Marino and Montenegro after reportedly injuring a groin in training last night:

At present, Arsenal have yet to comment on the situation but according to The Mirror, although the injury “is not too serious” Walcott could be set to miss next weekend’s home game with Reading. Press Association sources have also indicated he could be out “for seven to 10 days”, placing major question marks against his availability.

The news is a real concern for Fantasy managers. Walcott was hugely fancied as an armband choice for the Gameweek 31 Emirates showdown and was also rated as number one option for next weekend by Rate My Team – he will remain firmly in our thoughts, though, with a double Gameweek 33 just around the corner.

In all likelihood, his owners will hold until further news develops, with contingency plans made should be miss out. Santi Cazorla has already accrued more transfers in than any other player in the Gameweek but his appeal will surely now escalate. Indeed, transfer plans could be brought forward to snap up the Spaniard once his own pair of internationals is over – while Arsene Wenger could turn to Gervinho or Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to fill the breach on the right, their respective lack of returns holds far less promise by comparison. With the double Gameweek still three weeks away, though, there’s plenty reason for optimism that Walcott will be back in the fold and firing once again as Wenger turns the heat up on Tottenham in the race for fourth.