Nigel Winterburn: Arsene Wenger won’t spend to solve injury crisis

Nigel Winterburn does not believe that Theo Walcott‘s injury blow will force Arsene Wenger’s hand in the January transfer window.

The England midfielder is set to be out for at least six months following an ACL injury suffered during the 2-0 FA Cup victory over Tottenham. Wenger had been tipped to delve into his transfer kitty to secure another forward to provide back up for Olivier Giroud before Walcott’s injury and those expectations have now been heightened.

Doubts remain over Nicklas Bendtner‘s fitness and ability, as do concerns over Giroud’s capability to carry the goal scoring burden for an entire campaign.

Walcott was in excellent form over the Christmas period and seemed to be convincing his boss that he possessed the power and intelligence to play as a central striker, but now his season is over Wenger’s side look short up top once more.

Although the former Arsenal defender Winterburn admitted Walcott would be a “massive loss” to TalkSport he also believes The North Londoners have enough options at their disposal to avoid any unnecessary purchases.

“I don’t think Wenger has to act. He always wants to buy players who improve the squad and he doesn’t just buy players to replenish the squad when someone’s out injured,” he said. “He’s got Serge Gnabry who’s a young lad, who can play on that right hand side and has got huge potential.”

However, with Arsenal in such a commanding position Wenger might be tempted to spend the money to send a message to his side’s title rivals, many of whom will be certain to bring in new additions throughout January.