Arsenal winger Theo Walcott set for training comeback with eyes on Premier League match with Manchester United

The England international has been out of action for nearly two months after undergoing abdominal surgery

Theo Walcott will miss at least two further weeks after suffering a setback in his recovery from injury (GETTY IMAGES)

Arsenal look set to be handed a major boost with the return to training of right winger Theo Walcott, and he could even play in the Gunners Premier League encounter with Manchester United this weekend.

Walcott has been on the sidelines since picking up an abdominal injury in the build-up to England’s World Cup qualifiers against Montenegro and Poland, undergoing surgery on his abdomen which ruled him out for nearly two months.

His last match for Arsenal came in the 2-1 Champions League victory in Marseille, where he scored the opening goal which remains his only strike of the season – along with a goal for England in the international friendly against Scotland back in August.

His return will boost Arsene Wenger’s options in midfield, although during his absence, the combination of Mesut Ozil, Aaron Ramsey, Jack Wilshere and Tomas Rosicky have prospered as they rotate the attacking midfield positions, with Mikel Arteta and Mathieu Flamini taking charge of the holding role.

With Jack Wilshere set to miss out on Wednesday’s trip to Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday, his participation in Sunday’s match with United has been thrown into question, and Walcott could be needed immediately to cover for his England team-mate.

It is more likely though that Walcott will be named on the bench if he is declared fit for the game, with a return in early October always targeted by manager Arsene Wenger.

Victory against United will significantly strengthen the Gunners title credentials after they saw off Liverpool 2-0 on Saturday, although the imminent Champions League clash in Germany will be at the forefront of Wenger’s mind as he seeks revenge for the 2-1 defeat they suffered at the Emirates Stadium against the same opposition a fortnight ago.

Kieran Gibbs is also a doubt for the trip to Old Trafford, having limped out of the win against the Reds last weekend with a thigh injury. Nacho Monreal is set to deputise for Gibbs on Wednesday, with club captain Thomas Vermaelen also able to cover at left-back.