Arsene Wenger calls on Theo Walcott to step up in Alexis Sanchez's absence

Arsene Wenger is hopeful that Alexis Sanchez's injury layoff will act as a "blessing in disguise" for Theo Walcott to stake a claim in Arsenal's attack.

Sanchez became the Gunners' second-most expensive signing when he joined the club for a fee of £35m from Barcelona last summer and has fired 18 goals in his maiden campaign in English football.

Having limped off against Leicester City last time out, the Chilean is likely to miss tomorrow's FA Cup meeting against Middlesbrough, which means that Walcott could be given another chance.

"It is a big challenge for Theo but the player who has had the biggest ­offensive impact up to now is Sanchez," Wenger is quoted as saying by the Daily Star.

"Walcott can score goals as well. This ­injury to Sanchez could almost be a blessing in disguise. That is one of the advantages."

Walcott has scored three goals in nine games this season after returning from a 12-month spell on the sidelines.