Theo Walcott returns to action for first time since January for Arsenal U21s

Theo Walcott has stepped up his return to Premier League action after being named in Arsenal's Under-21 side for their match against Blackburn Rovers tonight.

The 25-year-old was expected to turn out for the development side after returning to training on Monday.

The England international has spent nine months on the sidelines after suffering a cruciate knee ligament injury back in January.

Tonight, Walcott will start for the Gunners' Under-21s at Meadow Park, along with Serge Gnabry, who has recently returned from a six-month injury layoff.