Arsenal have confirmed that star winger Theo Walcott will be out for at least three months. The 19-year-old forward picked up a shoulder injury during an England training session ahead of the international team s 2-1 friendly win over Germany in Berlin on

Arsenal have confirmed that star winger Theo Walcott will be out for at least three months.

The 19-year-old forward picked up a shoulder injury during an England training session ahead of the international team's 2-1 friendly win over Germany in Berlin on Wednesday night.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger told French TV channel TF1: ''Theo dislocated his right shoulder during training, and he will be out for at least three months.''

The Gunners striker, who has been in his best form yet for the club this season, was taken to a Berlin hospital in agony after suffering the dislocation in a freak accident.

The shoulder was quickly put back in place but an operation is seen as a necessity. In 2007 he had his left shoulder pinned after suffering a similar problem.

An FA statement read: ''During a training session Theo Walcott dislocated his right shoulder after falling on the pitch.

''Arsenal's medical staff were advised of the injury soon after the incident''

It is a huge blow for Wenger who will also be without Cesc Fabregas for this Saturday's match at Manchester City as he serves a one-match suspension after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season in last week's 2-0 home defeat to Aston Villa.

The Arsenal manager will be fuming after earlier questioning the necessity of international friendlies during such a busy spell for club sides.

'I don't see what you gain from this friendly because there is no game," he moaned. "You can explain a friendly to prepare for an official match but after this there is no international game for four months.''