Theo Walcott targets Manchester United return?

Arsenal forward Theo Walcott has reportedly stepped up his rehabilitation from a stomach injury and could be in line to feature against Manchester United this weekend.

Walcott had surgery to correct an abdominal problem in September and has not featured since for the Gunners, missing 10 consecutive matches in all competitions.

The England international will not be ready to face Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League tomorrow night but has an outside chance of being fit for Sunday's trip to Old Trafford, according to The Guardian.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has had to contend with a string of long-term injury problems to attacking options so far this season, with Walcott joined on the treatment table by Lukas Podolski and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

Wenger's troops have coped well despite those notable absentees, enjoying a fine start to the campaign which currently sees them sit five points clear at the top of the Premier League.

Walcott's last involvement for the Gunners before having a stomach operation came in the Champions League, scoring in a 2-1 success over Marseille.