Arsenal handed injury boost as Walcott in line to return against Southampton

Theo Walcott will make his long-awaited return to the Arsenal first-team against Southampton this weekend.



The England winger has been missing since mid-September with an abdominal injury, but he is finally ready to make a comeback against his former club on Saturday following a successful return to full-training.



The news will come as a major boost to manager Arsene Wenger, whose side will look to bounce back from their narrow defeat at Manchester United before the international break.

Back in contention: Theo Walcott is set to return for Arsenal's clash with Southampton

Fancy a game, Theo? England manager Roy Hodgson picks Walcott's brains at London Colney this week

Meanwhile, in-form midfielder Aaron Ramsey is expected to be available for the Gunners despite missing Wales’ clash against Finland last Friday.

Lukas Podolski is also nearing a first-team return after stepping up his training regime as he bids to comeback from the hamstring injury that has sidelined him since the 2-0 Champions League win against Fenerbahce back in August.