Walcott to boost Gunners

Arsenal have confirmed forward Theo Walcott will return from injury shortly after the latest round of international matches.

The England international is yet to feature for The Gunners this season due to a back problem manager Arsene Wenger blamed on inadequate rest over the summer.

The former Southampton ace has been sidelined since early August when he picked up the injury in Arsenal's pre-season match against Valencia.

It remains to be seen if The Gunners' trip to Manchester City on Saturday comes too soon for Walcott with Arsenal only saying he would be back in action soon after this week's fixtures.

"Walcott missed his country's matches in September and is expected to return soon after the international break," read a statement on the club's official website.

Should Walcott miss out at Eastlands then Wenger could well go with Robin van Persie up front with Andrey Arshavin and Nicklas Bendtner in supporting roles.