Arsene Wenger has hinted that Theo Walcott could be involved when Arsenal travel to Southampton on New Year's Day.

Walcott suffered cruciate ligament damage in an FA Cup tie with Tottenham Hotspur last January, but made his long-awaited comeback with two cameo appearances in November.

However, the 25-year-old suffered another setback after sustaining a minor groin injury, which ruled him out for a further eight games, but Wenger says that he may play a part against the Saints tomorrow.

"Walcott is involved because he was already in the squad," he told the club's official website. "Of course I judge him a bit short on the competition front but on the fitness front he is ready to play."

The Gunners will leapfrog Ronald Koeman's side into fourth in the Premier League table with victory at St Mary's.