Arsene Wenger has admitted that Theo Walcott needs more match time before he is ready to return to action with Arsenal in the Premier League.

The midfielder, who tore his ACL in January, was named on the bench for the Gunners' 2-0 win over Sunderland earlier today, but did not feature in the game.

The manager told reporters: "He is fit but lacks competition. Physically, he lacks contact in games and competition. Fitness-wise, there are no problems at all."

Walcott made his return to action in an Under-21s match against Blackburn Rovers earlier this month.