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Walcott in race to be fit for Liverpool clash

Theo Walcott suffered a groin problem while on international duty with England © Getty Images

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Arsenal forward Theo Walcott could make a long-awaited return to action against Liverpool on Sunday.

Manager Arsene Wenger revealed the 25-year-old, who has made just two appearances this season due to a long-term knee injury, is set to resume full training after a groin problem suffered while on international duty with England.

While Wenger will take no chances on Walcott's rehabilitation, the imminent availability of the forward will come as a welcome boost ahead of the hectic Christmas schedule, which could also see both Nacho Monreal and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain shake off their fitness problems.

"There is a slight chance of Monreal being available and a very slight chance for Walcott. We hope that Oxlade-Chamberlain will be fit. We will see that on Saturday," Wenger said. "[Walcott] is back in training today [Thursday], but only today. I might take him [to Liverpool], I don't know yet until he is back to full training. Let's see."

Oxlade-Chamberlain limped out of the closing stages of Arsenal's 4-1 Premier League win over Newcastle last weekend with a groin problem, which the club hope will prove to be minor injury.

"That's what we'll see on Saturday after a test. He is not in training at the moment," Wenger said.

Mesut Ozil is another player who is stepping up his rehabilitation, having been out since the defeat at Chelsea on October 5 because of a knee problem.

Wenger confirmed both 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, but are "progressing as planned," according to Wenger.

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