Olympiakos vs Arsenal team news: Theo Walcott set to return for crucial Champions League decider

Walcott has not played since the end of October, but a number of player remain sidelined for the Gunners

Theo Walcott has returned to training for Arsenal (Getty Images)

Arsenal could have Theo Walcott back in their squad for the decisive Champions League clash at Olympiakos after the England international returned to training following his hamstring injury that has kept him sidelined for over a month.

Walcott follows the returns of Aaron Ramsey and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, and while Arsene Wenger will be reluctant to rush the 26-year-old back into action given his numerous injuries over the years, Walcott’s availability could help ease the troubles that the Gunners currently have in midfield.

Should Wenger revert Walcott to his role on the right wing, Wenger could choose to deploy Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in a more central role.

Wenger’s problems in midfield stem from a number of injuries to key players. Francis Coquelin was ruled for three months after suffering knee ligament damage in the defeat by West Brom 10 days ago, while his replacement in club captain Mikel Arteta quickly followed him off the pitch with a recurrence of his calf strain.

Matters were made significantly worse when both Alexis Sanchez and Santi Cazorla limped out of the draw with Norwich, and while Sanchez could return around New Year, Cazorla will not play again until March at the earliest after undergoing surgery on a ruptured knee ligament last Friday.

To find out the latest Arsenal injury news, click on the gallery below.

Arsenal must beat Olympiakos by two clear goals to reach the Champions League last-16, though they can also progress if they equal or better the 3-2 defeat they suffered to the Greek side in September.

The Gunners have reached the knockout stages of the Champions league for the past 15 seasons, and failure to do so will be deemed a huge disappointment early in their season.