Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger will give Theo Walcott a late fitness test on Friday afternoon ahead of their weekend tie against Sunderland.
The English winger has been injured since January 4th after damaging his knee ligaments during the FA Cup win over closest rivals Tottenham Hotspur.
The 25-year-old played 45 minutes for Arsenal’s U21 side last week and is now ready to undergo a late fitness test for the Gunners, hopeful of making the bench on Saturday.
“He has to get used to physical contact again. He has been out for nine months. It was a big injury,” Wenger told reporters.
“It takes time to settle and to get used to being kicked again. I am not sure to involve him tomorrow. He needs a game to feel completely confident but he is not far.”