Wenger confirms Walcott is OUT of Arsenal’s clash with Sunderland

Arsene Wenger has confirmed that Theo Walcott will not be in Arsenal's squad to face Sunderland this weekend - but he will return to first-team action next week.

The England international has been absent for over nine months, after being stretched off with a knee injury in Arsenal's 2-0 FA Cup win against Tottenham back in January.

Walcott has returned to full training and even made an appearance for the Gunners' Under-21 side last week as he begins to step up his rehabilitation.

And it had been speculated that the 25-year-old could be in the squad to face Sunderland this weekend, but Wenger says the trip to the Stadium of Light has come too soon for the winger.

"Walcott will be back next week. He needs to get used to contact [football] again and he is not far away," said Wenger.

The Gunners boss also confirmed that Laurent Koscielny will miss Saturday's match against Sunderland due to an achilles problem.

"I cannot give you any date [on Koscielny's return]. I hope he will be available after the next international break," Wenger added.