Theo Walcott expects Arsenal to be lifted by Jack Wilshere's return.

While injuries to key players have played their part in Arsenal's failings, Walcott insists that cannot be an excuse - though he concedes Jack Wilshere has been particularly sorely missed.

"We've missed him. He's an important player even after just that one year (in the team)," he said. "People compare him to Cesc (Fabregas). I think he can be better than Cesc, definitely. It's just a shame he had that massive injury.

"Injuries don't help but we can't just look at injuries."