Theo Walcott was missing from Arsenal’s Boxing Day squad to face West Brom with what Arsene Wenger has described as a ‘very small’ calf problem.

After the 1-0 win against the Baggies, the boss explained that, contrary reports on Twitter than suggested the England international might have gotten caught up with his new coffee machine, he had in fact picked up a calf injury.

“Theo has a small calf problem, but a very small one,” he clarified.

The boss also admitted that he doesn’t know how Kieran Gibbs, who was substituted for Nacho Monreal in the 71st minute, is doing but he was kicked on the knee.

“It’s a kick,” Wenger said.

“I don’t know how bad it is, but it’s a kick on the knee.”

It’s a shame because the 27-year-old has struggled for game time this season and appeared to have finally found a space in the starting XI over Monreal, who’s been rusty this term to say the least.

This was only Gibbs’ fifth Premier League appearance but considering how encouraging his forward play was and how easily he managed to build attacks from the left flank, you’d imagine that he would also get the nod for Crystal Palace on New Year’s Day… if fit.

Gibbs actually created the second most chances (3) next to Mesut Ozil (7) and won 4/10 aerial duels.

Hopefully, it’s just a knock and the left-back can return as soon as possible.