Theo Walcott could make his return to action at Liverpool on Sunday. The Arsenal manager, Arsène Wenger, revealed the 25-year-old forward is set to resume full training after a groin injury suffered while on international duty with England last month.

Walcott has made just two appearances this season after recovering from a long-term knee injury which saw him ruled out of the World Cup in the summer. His availability will come as a welcome fillip for Arsenal ahead of the hectic Christmas schedule.

Defender Nacho Monreal and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who was taken off against Newcastle United last Saturday with a groin problem, could also return this weekend.

“There is a slight chance of Monreal being available and a very slight chance for Walcott. We hope that Oxlade-Chamberlain will be fit,” Wenger said.

Mesut Özil is another who is stepping up his rehabilitation, having been on the sidelines since the defeat at Chelsea on 5 October because of a knee problem. Wenger confirmed that goalkeeper David Ospina and midfielder Tomas Rosicky are also close to being available again following their respective thigh problems.

However, captain Mikel Arteta (calf), midfielder Aaron Ramsey (hamstring) and centre-back Laurent Koscielny (calf) are still out of action ahead of the trip to Anfield, where Arsenal will hope to continue their upturn in form, which has seen five wins from six games across all competitions.

Wenger also said he was looking forward to returning to Monaco for the first time in the knockout stages of the Champions League, having made his name at the French club

“We had very few chances to get Monaco and I think it’s a strange coincidence in life because I have spent 25 years of my life at Monaco and Arsenal together, so it’s a little bit like my life meets my life,” the 65-year-old said.