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.