FEARS are growing that Theo Walcott's ankle injury is worse than first thought, with reports today suggesting the Arsenal and England winger could be out for up to six weeks.

The Times claims Walcott suffered ankle ligament damage in the build-up to England's first goal against Switzerland in their European Championship qualifier on Tuesday and will be out until the end of October.

That is despite England boss Fabio Capello's early prediction that the player would be out for just two weeks.

Walcott went for a scan on the injury immediately after being take off in Basle, with early indications suggesting minimal damage.

But it seems that prognosis may have been slightly premature and, if the reports are confirmed, Walcott will miss two Champions League qualifiers for the Gunners, as well as their vital clash with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on October 3.