Arsene Wenger is managing Theo Walcott's return carefully - and he says the forward is "edgy and impatient" as he waits for his chance.

Walcott last started for Arsenal on January 4 when he was stretchered off towards the end of a 2-0 FA Cup third-round victory over Tottenham after damaging knee ligaments.

A groin problem stalled the England star's comeback but he is in the frame for the New Year's Day trip to Southampton or, more likely, Sunday's FA Cup tie against Hull City - exactly a year after that Spurs game.

"Fitness-wise he is there but he has not had a lot of practice in training" Arsene Wenger

“He has a chance and if it is not Thursday it will be Sunday," confirmed Wenger.

“He has been out for one year, he was injured on January 4 and he has to go for contact, and today the game does not forgive you any lack of contact or defensive focus and we have to get that.

“He has been impatient, he has been injured so of course you are always impatient. He is 25 going to 26 and this is an important part in his life for a player. He is certainly a bit edgy as he has been out for so long… you must have [the first tackle] in your mind and have to go through that.

"He is fit because he has done a lot of work," added Wenger. "I have always handled [Theo] progressively.

"Let's not forget he only had two days of training with us before the game against QPR. Not in total, he has been out, in and out again as he was sick and had a groin problem when he came back from England. Fitness-wise he is there but he has not had a lot of practice in training.”