Theo Walcott: How Arsenal Should Manage His Recovery

Theo Walcott is back, which is excellent news for Arsenal fans.

He was an essential cog in Arsenal's attacking machine for over a season before he tore his ACL in January. Walcott ceased to be a mere speedster and developed into a lethal goalscorer.

It's easy to forget that he was Arsenal's leading scorer in the 2012-13 season. Walcott was never really able to reap the benefits of playing with Mesut Ozil last season because the two were almost never fit at the same time.

Yet he dramatically improved Arsenal's attack whenever he was fit. He was often the only fast outlet the Gunners had on the wings, and thus the only player able to stretch opposing defenses.

Tim Ireland/Associated Press

When he was out of the team last season, the Gunners were noticeably slow and have been somewhat lethargic ever since. Alexis Sanchez has had such an enormous impact partially because he is the only other Walcott-like player Arsenal have.

Indeed, the Englishman's return against Burnley produced an immediately noticeable improvement in the team's performance. Everything was zippier, the Clarets' defense was put under much more pressure and the Gunners' attack generally had much more bite to it.

It will be tempting, then, for Arsene Wenger to throw Walcott back into the fray immediately.

Thankfully, though, it seems that the manager is taking a sensible approach (as one would expect). Per The Telegraph:

"

If he wants to go with England next week, I’m happy for him to go and practice and maybe get a few minutes.

Mentally it will help him. Is he completely ready? I think it is a bit early but to be in the squad will be good for him. The battle is not won. After 10 months out you have ups and downs. I do not want to make a big mistake.

"

Wenger is spot-on here. We have seen Arsenal players injure themselves again after being rushed back into the fray (think Abou Diaby, for example). Shad Forsythe and the medical team will no doubt be scrupulously monitoring Walcott's fitness every step of the way.

Tim Ireland/Associated Press

The club seem to be taking the right approach right now. Walcott played a U-21 match recently and was only used for the last 10 minutes of the Burnley match.

The next step is to play for a half-hour or so against quality opposition. Arsenal have Anderlecht and Swansea up next, the perfect preparation for a much more challenging match with Manchester United on Nov. 22. Walcott can also get a few minutes in with England during the approaching international break.

Restraint is key here. Walcott will be impressive, if a little rusty, in his next cameos. The prospect of him and Alexis on the wings is mouth-watering.

But, managed carefully, Walcott will be able to get back to full fitness in six weeks or so—and Arsenal's attack will be revitalized.

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