Walcott relishing Wilshere return

Arsenal attacker Theo Walcott is looking forward to the return of Jack Wilshere, but has warned against rushing him back.

Wilshere has not played since having ankle surgery after the Gunners’ 1-1 draw against New York Red Bulls on July 31, but is expected to return to action next month.

The 20-year-old England international recently became a father and, according to Walcott, is as cheerful as he has ever been.

“Seeing Jack in and around the dressing room and treatment room, he is as happy as ever,” Walcott told the club’s official website.

“He’s had a new step in his life with a newborn baby, which is great, and he is also a very important player for us.”

“Obviously he won the Young Player of the Year award last year which was deserved. He’s also played for England and now he just needs to get back out on that pitch.”

“You have to ease him back into it because he’s had a long time out and he’s only just turned 20.”

“He has a long career ahead of him so we don’t want to be overplaying him. But we’ll use him the right way, I’m sure of it.”

The return of Wilshere could prove to be a timely boost for Arsenal after a late stumble which has seen them drop points against Wolves and Fulham, despite leading both games.

They go into 2012 looking to end a trophy drought which has not seen them win anything since the 2005 FA Cup.

“I think we’ve had so much experience of almost getting there – quarter-finals, the final of the Carling Cup for example – and we just want a bit more,” Walcott said.

“We obviously want to win the Premier League, we want to win every competition we enter. It’s been a long time since we won something and for me personally, I want to win even more now as well.”

“Fingers crossed we can all stay fit, which is quite important. In seasons before we’ve had a lot of injuries that have stuttered us slightly and that doesn’t help the team. But it’s a squad thing, and the important thing is that we keep a lot of players fit.”