Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has warned
fans not to expect too much too soon of winger Theo
Walcott.
Walcott, who turns 20 next month, is set to
feature against Burnley in the FA Cup on Sunday after injuring his
shoulder on international duty in November.
The former Southampton youngster required surgery but has
recovered well and is now ready to make his comeback on Sunday at
the Emirates.
The Gunners have struggled without the lightning quick youngster
and ended a run of four successive league games without scoring a
goal when they beat West Brom 3-1 on Tuesday.
But Wenger is adamant that fans should not pin all their hopes
on the England international.
"It is very important to see how he will respond with his
shoulder and I think he looks to be nearly there," he said.
"To have him back is great and he can be very good for us.
"However the difference between training and competition is
different. Theo is very fit, but after that you have to get used to
tackles and go into the challenges.
"You have to use your arms and shoulders to resist."
Walcott's return is a timely one with the UEFA Champions League
last-16 second leg at Roma coming up on Wednesday.
Wenger has also confirmed that influential midfielder Cesc
Fabregas is set to return at the start of next month as Arsenal
look to close the gap on Aston Villa and ultimately secure
qualification for next season's Champions League.
But the Gunners boss insists he is only concentrating on the
visit of Burnley in the delayed FA Cup fifth round tie with the
winner facing Hull City in the quarter-finals.
The North Londoners know all about their Championship opponents
after being dumped out of the Carling Cup at the hands of the
Clarets earlier in the season.
"It is an important game and not one we will treat lightly. We
treat it with respect and focus," he added.
"We know Burnley well and that they are a good side. The
Championship teams are now a serious candidate in every game.
"They have shown that recently, and we have the experience of
playing Championship teams.
"The gap has been reduced between the Championship teams and the
Premier League, you see that in the results of the FA Cup and
Carling Cup."