Paul Parker has claimed that neither Arsenal nor England will be hampered too much by Theo Walcott's absence.
It was confirmed yesterday that the winger would spend at least six months on the sidelines with a knee injury, which has ruled him out of the remainder of the Premier League season and almost certainly the summer's World Cup in Brazil.
However, former Manchester United and Chelsea defender Parker insists that the likes of Raheem Sterling in particular will ensure that the Three Lions will not miss Walcott.
"He will be out for six months, which is a blow to him. But if we are being honest about the situation, England won't miss him at the World Cup finals. If it had been an injury to the Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard, it would be different. He is a guy you'd want playing every game in Brazil," he wrote in his Eurosport column.
"With Theo, you wouldn't say he has been a regular player with England so therefore how can the national side miss him? He gives you extra pace, but when you think of a guy like Raheem Sterling coming to the fore at Liverpool, I would say he is in better form and is a better fit for England than Theo.
"Theo is all about pace, but there is a bit more to Raheem's game and what he brings to the table. Theo has pace to run in behind defences, but Raheem can run in behind defences and has tricks plus ability. I think that gives you more going to a World Cup finals."
Parker, who was capped 19 times by England, also believes that Arsenal will cope without the 24-year-old and even suggested that the Gunners may look to sell him in the future.
"His club won't miss him too much, either. Arsenal are top of the Premier League yet have had to do without Walcott for two months this season due to an abdominal problem. Arsenal may or may not win the Premier League - the presence of Theo won't make a blind bit of difference either way," he added.
"I don't think Walcott will play for as big a club as Arsenal again in his career. Personally, I think he will be keen to stay at the club, but Arsenal may look to sell him when he gets back to fitness.
"He is saleable to a point, but it all depends on who wants him. He is good player, but remains a luxury rather than a necessity for club and country."
Meanwhile, footballers past and present have been passing on their best wishes to Walcott via Twitter.
Liam Apicella
