Theo Walcott: I will not rush recovery for World Cup #CarryGobySeanKellz #FutureGroupNG via @myentertain9jar

ARSENAL attacker Theo Walcott admits he will not rush his recovery from a long-term knee injury for the World Cup.

Walcott claims he will not push his return date for World Cup dream[GETTY]

The 25-year-old's hopes of playing in Brazil this summer were ended after rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee during the Gunners' FA Cup third-round victory over Tottenham.

I am not pushing myself to be fit for the World Cup or anything like that

Theo Walcott

And the England international, who was not included in Fabio Capello's final World Cup squad in South Africa four years ago, insists he will only consider playing again when he feels completely fit.
"I am not pushing myself to be fit for the World Cup or anything like that. I want to be back quickly, of course, but safely, too," Walcott said.
"I want to try and be back for the early part of next season, that is the goal, so there will be a lot of hard work throughout the summer and during the World Cup."

Walcott suffered a long-term knee injury during the win over Tottenham [GETTY]

 

He added: "It has nearly been four months now and my recovery has gone on track so far.
"I don't see any point in being down in the dumps about the injury because it has already happened and there are a lot of people with worse problems in the world.
"I will just get on with my work - I am first in and last out on most days.
"I see the consultant soon, too, and hopefully he will give me the thumbs up to push on. I would love to be running in a few weeks."