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Arsene Wenger: 'Theo Walcott close to making return'

Theo Walcott will return to full training at the end of this month following an eight-month injury layoff, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger confirms.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has revealed that Theo Walcott will return to full training at the end of August following a lengthy layoff through injury.

The England international has missed the last eight months after rupturing his cruciate knee ligament in the Gunners' FA Cup victory against arch-rivals Tottenham Hotspur.

Walcott returned to the training pitch in July where he underwent some light fitness work, and he will now step up preparations ahead of a return to first-team action.

"Theo Walcott is planned to come back into my group on August 31, beginning of September at the latest," Wenger told reporters. "He is doing well but he is not completely ready. I would say he could play at the end of August."

Arsenal take on Manchester City this weekend in the Community Shield at Wembley.

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Arsenal's English midfielder Theo Walcott celebrates after scoring an equalising goal during the English Premier League football match between Manchester City and Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, northwest England, on December 14, 2013
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