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Theo Walcott
Theo Walcot made a return to action against Burnley on 1 November but then injured a groin on international duty. Photograph: Glyn Kirk/AFP/Getty Images
Theo Walcot made a return to action against Burnley on 1 November but then injured a groin on international duty. Photograph: Glyn Kirk/AFP/Getty Images

Theo Walcott in contention for Arsenal return against Liverpool

This article is more than 9 years old
‘He is back in training. I might take him,’ says Arsène Wenger
Walcott injured groin after recovering from serious knee problem
Arsenal confident Oxlade-Chamberlain will return at Anfield

The Arsenal forward Theo Walcott could make a return to action at Liverpool on Sunday. The manager Arsène Wenger revealed the 25-year-old, who has made just two appearances this season after recovering from a long-term knee injury, is set to resume full training following a groin problem suffered while on international duty with England.

While Wenger will take no chances on Walcott’s rehabilitation, the imminent availability of the forward will come as a welcome boost ahead of the hectic Christmas schedule, which could also see Nacho Monreal and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain shake off their fitness problems.

“There is a slight chance of Monreal being available and a very slight chance for Walcott. We hope that Oxlade-Chamberlain will be fit. We will see that on Saturday,” Wenger told Arsenal Player.

“He [Walcott] is back in training today [Thursday], but only today. I might take him [to Liverpool], I don’t know yet until he is back to full training. Let’s see.”

Oxlade-Chamberlain limped out of the closing stages of Arsenal’s 4-1 Premier League win over Newcastle last weekend with a groin problem which the club hope will prove to be minor.

“That’s what we’ll see on Saturday after a test. He is not in training at the moment,” Wenger said. The Arsenal playmaker Mesut Özil is another who is stepping up his rehabilitation, having been out since the defeat at Chelsea on 5 October because of a knee problem.

Wenger confirmed both the goalkeeper David Ospina and the midfielder Tomas Rosicky are also close to being available again following their respective thigh problems.

However, the captain Mikel Arteta (calf), the midfielder Aaron Ramsey (hamstring) and the centre-back Laurent Koscielny (calf) are still out, but “progressing as planned”, according to Wenger.

Arsenal will be looking to remain within striking distance of the top four with a positive result at Anfield to continue their upturn in form, having won five of their last six across all competitions.

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