Exclusive – Walcott will have to fight for place after injury return, insists Arsenal legend

Arsenal legend Nigel Winterburn has told talkSPORT that Theo Walcott will have to fight for his place in the Gunners side when he returns from injury.

The winger has been sidelined since January after suffering knee ligament damage during the FA Cup third round victory over fierce rivals Tottenham.

In his absence, Wenger has strengthened his attacking options with Danny Welbeck and Alexis Sanchez providing stiff competition for a spot in the Gunners’ attack.

And while Winterburn believes the England international may not fit straight back into the squad, he adds that Walcott is likely to become a key member of the squad again when he eventually returns to full fitness.

“I’m not sure Walcott will come straight back into the side,” the former defender told Drivetime.

“If you remember at the start of last season he was injured and came off the bench a lot and had a massive impact.

“Eventually, though, he will come back into the team. Theo is a player I really like, he’s got genuine pace, his goalscoring ability is very, very good.

“I think he’ll eventually come in on the right wing, and with Olivier Giroud out for a while it means Welbeck can play on his own up front, with maybe Sanchez going over to the left.

“With that front three, that’s how I see Arsenal’s best formation going forward, even when everyone is fit.”