Theo Walcott Will Need a Big Game on His Return from Injury for Season Finale

The Daily Telegraph is reporting that Theo Walcott could make a quick return from injury in time to face West Bromwich Albion in the critical finale to the season. The Gunners forward will need a big game, as proposed changes to next season's attack could put his position under threat.

The arrival of Lukas Podolski only increases the competition for places in Arsenal's front three. Arsene Wenger recently suggested that Podolski might even occupy a role wide right, the position usually reserved for Walcott.

That could lead to a switch over to the left flank for the England youngster. Walcott impressed in this position earlier in his Arsenal career. His ability to cut in from the left and fire shots across goal with his right foot can be particularly effective.

Yet Walcott would have to supplant Gervinho, who despite his struggles, has shown enough potential to still be considered a part of Arsenal's plans for next season. The Ivory Coast international offers superior movement and ball skills to Walcott.

However, other rumours suggest a possible new-look forward line for the Gunners next season. The Sun newspaper today reported that Wenger is planning a summer move for Fulham forward Clint Dempsey.

This report suggests that the Arsenal boss is anxious to deploy a supporting striker behind the duo of Podolski and Robin van Persie. Dempsey and Blackburn's Junior Hoilett are touted as prime candidates.

This kind of more compact and direct-attacking trio seems to leave no place for Walcott. With his contract set to expire, it remains to be seen if Walcott has done enough this season to convince Wenger he will ever develop into a top-quality player.

He has yet to find the consistency of an elite performer and continues to frustrate. There is no doubt Walcott has the ability and his pace and finishing ability should be lethal weapons in Arsenal's attack.

However, despite enjoying his two finest goalscoring seasons, Walcott is still not active enough during too many matches. He is often static and therefore too easily marked out of games and has yet to demonstrate to toughness and smarts to transition to a more natural, central role.

Yet 11 goals this season, including eight in the EPL, still makes Walcott the club's second-leading scorer behind van Persie. He has played well in big games, scoring a crucial goal away to Chelsea and netting a brace in the 5-2 victory over Tottenham Hotspur.

If he scores the goals to ensure automatic qualification for next season's UEFA Champions League, Walcott may finally prove he can be counted on as a key part of Arsenal's future success.