Arsenal's Walcott faces six months on sidelines

Arsenal FC will be without Theo Walcott for a minimum of six months after the England winger ruptured cruciate knee ligaments during Saturday's 2-0 victory against Tottenham Hotspur FC in the FA Cup third round. 

The 24-year-old forward, who had registered five times in his previous five Premier League outings, will therefore miss the remainder of the campaign and, in all likelihood, this summer's FIFA World Cup in Brazil. "Everyone at Arsenal wishes Theo a speedy recovery and we look forward to seeing him back on a football pitch as soon as possible," read a club statement. 

The news comes at a crucial stage of the season, with Arsène Wenger's side leading Manchester City FC at the Premier League summit by a single point. The Gunners also host FC Bayern München in their UEFA Champions League round of 16 opener on 19 February, with the second leg three weeks later.