Walcott targets Reds impact

(GSM) – England and Arsenal winger Theo Walcott is targeting to get his season back on track with the game against Liverpool at Anfield acting as a litmus test, for the player who has finally recovering from a succession of injuries.

The 20-year-old shook off a hamstring problem to return to action for the Gunners in their midweek Champions League defeat by Olympiacos.

Walcott has made only five appearances for Arsenal this season because of his niggling setbacks but insists he is not injury prone.

“It was good for me to get a start and blow the cobwebs away,” said Walcott. “Hopefully I can build up towards the weekend. It’s been a long time so the main thing is get no more injuries and play some part for the team on Sunday.

“The funny thing is that the injuries are no fault of my own. It’s just very bad luck. I am not an injury-prone player.

“I want to keep on playing and I hope I have a very long career ahead of me. You just have to keep your chin up. Tomas Rosicky was out for a very long time and he is out again. He came in with a smile and that’s what kept me going.

“Lately maybe people think I am injury prone but I will just try to play for this club and the more games I play the better I will get.

“It doesn’t just come straight away. It takes a few games to get your fitness back. In the next couple of games I will be there or thereabouts.

“Fitness-wise, I am fine, it’s just about getting that touch back. I had a few opportunities in the final third and didn’t really get my touch right so I will be looking back on that and trying to improve it. It’s one of those things that happens when you have injuries.

“If I get to start, I will play my heart out at Liverpool. I played very well when I have been there and I have happy memories. If called off the bench, I hope I can do a job. The goals will come when the performances come.”

Walcott may have spent much of this season on the treatment table but the youngster remains adamant that, despite their home defeat by Chelsea earlier this month, Arsene Wenger’s side are still very much in the title race.

“There are a few teams involved in the title race and we are definitely one of them,” insisted Walcott. “We are strong candidates and, with Chelsea losing against Manchester City, it gives other teams the opportunity to catch them up.

“Liverpool and those breaking into the top four – these are the games we need to win, especially away from home.”