Published: 5 November 2013

ARSENAL could be boosted by the return of Theo Walcott for their showdown with old rivals Manchester United this weekend.

The winger has been sidelined with an abdominal injury but is desperate to get back into action as soon as possible after – in a World Cup season – watching his England place suddenly become threatened by the blossoming of Tottenham's Andros Townsend.

Walcott was in fine form before injury in struck in September and had contributed to the Gunners' impressive start to the season.

Arsenal lead the Premier League by five points and have an even bigger advantage over United, who have made an up and down start to the season under new manager David Moyes.

The match at Old Trafford on Sunday has been earmarked by the Red Devils as the perfect fixture to get their championship campaign back on track, while Arsenal still need to convince doubters that their run of good form can be extended in fixtures against the league's biggest hitters.

Walcott, 24, will not play against Borussia Dortmund tomorrow (Wednesday) night in the Champions League but has a chance to feature against United. Jack Wilshere and Kieran Gibbs are also struggling for full fitness. Spanish international Nacho Monreal is likely to step up.