Theo Walcott: 'Returning to match fitness will take time'

Arsenal forward Theo Walcott has said that it will take him some time in order to regain full match fitness following the club's FA Cup win over Brighton & Hove Albion.

The young England international found himself in good form to bag a goal in the 3-2 away victory, but Walcott has urged patience as he attempts to come back from a long-term injury.

"I've been out for a year so it's going to take time to get match fitness back," said Walcott, according to The Independent.

"I was blowing hard towards the end, but I was pleased with the finish, and there's definitely going to be many more.

"We were disappointed with the goals we conceded, but in the FA Cup it doesn't matter how you perform as long as you get through."

The Gunners will now be waiting to find out who they will face in the fifth round, with the draw taking place on Monday.