Theo Walcott positive ahead of return

Theo Walcott has backed himself to rediscover his best form after returning from injury and has highlighted his determination to reclaim his place in the Arsenal side. As well as the Arsenal team, Walcott will also be looking to make sure he is on the plane to Brazil next summer as part of England’s World Cup squad.

The forward made his long-awaited return to action against Southampton following the stomach problem that kept him sidelined since September, coming off the bench for thefinal 30 minutes against his former club in Arsenal’s 2-0 victory that kept them right in the Premier League hunt with Betfair.

With Olivier Giroud in danger of running himself into the ground, Walcott’s return will be a huge boost to Arsenal’s hopes of maintaining their place at the top of the table and as one of the leading favourites for this season’s Premier League title. Walcott has long insisted he sees himself as a striker and the 24-year old will be looking to prove to Wenger that the club don’t need to go out and buy a new forward in January.

Despite being forced to spend another significant spell on the sidelines through injury, Walcott has admitted he is confident of getting back into the sort of form his started the season in before his lay-off.

It is a challenge I can face, I have faced some in my short career so far. It is nothing new to me, I know how to deal with it all. I have some fantastic people around me and know how good I am.

It will take a couple of games, but I am sure I will be back to my best very soon.

While Manchester City might be the current favourites with Betfair to win this season’s title, a fully fit and firing Theo Walcott could yet have a major say on Arsenal’s hopes of still being in contention by the time May arrives.