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Theo Walcott returns to Arsenal training after three-weeks out with mystery illness

THEO WALCOTT is back in action after spending three weeks on the sidelines.

The Evening Standard reports that England forward returned to training on Tuesday morning.

 Theo Walcott is back in training and looking for a first-team recall
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Theo Walcott is back in training and looking for a first-team recallCredit: PA:Press Association

Walcott, 28, has not played in the Premier League since October 1 and has not been included in a first-team squad since November 5.

In fact, he been on the pitch for just 46 minutes this season across three appearances from the bench against Leicester City, Stoke City and Brighton.

Hopefully, Walcott will finally be up and running now with boss Arsene Wenger insisting “his time in the Premier League will come”.

Since leaving Southampton for £5million in 2006 Walcott has made 249 starts - averaging out at around 11 per season.


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Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

Walcott in the thick of the action against Norwich City in the EFL Cup

 But now the England forward must convince boss Arsene Wenger he is ready for Premier League action
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But now the England forward must convince boss Arsene Wenger he is ready for Premier League actionCredit: Reuters

In addition, he has been a substitute 130 times.

He has scored 107 goals, three of them coming this season in successive games against Doncaster Rovers and Bate Borisov in the EFL Cup and Europa League respectively.


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It looks as though he faces the same battle for selection as other Arsenal veterans Olivier Giroud and Jack Wilshere.

Both players are struggling to convince Wenger they deserve to be promoted from his Europa League line-up to first-choice selection.

 Walcott has played just 46 minutes in the top flight this season
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Walcott has played just 46 minutes in the top flight this seasonCredit: PA:Press Association
Arsene Wenger gives a festive knitting team-talk to Arsenal stars Alexandre Lacazette, Rob Holding and Calum Chambers
 The feeling is that the former Southampton star may be sold in January
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The feeling is that the former Southampton star may be sold in JanuaryCredit: Rex Features

There is a feeling that Arsenal are ready to sell Walcott in January.

Wenger has Alexis Sanchez, Danny Welbeck, Alexandre Lacazette and Giroud fighting for the central-striker role that Walcott has always wanted.

Competition is fierce and Walcott has long struggled to really fulfil his potential with his blistering speed his only stand-out asset.

Walcott and Wenger appeared to have a clash of opinions after the player criticised his team-mates for a lack of commitment after a defeat to Crystal Palace in April.

But Wenger said his blunt summary of his side’s efforts was “unacceptable”.

Arsenal are at home to Huddersfield Town on Wednesday.

 

 

 

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