Arsene Wenger has claimed that crocked Theo Walcott can yet play a major part in Arsenal's push for a Champions League place.
Walcott is facing a race to be fit for Saturday's trip to West Brom after a groin injury suffered on England duty, and even if he is available again, a drop in form has derailed the winger's season.
The 24-year-old, who signed a new contract in January, has not scored for the Gunners since that same month - but Wenger insists their fans are wrong to suggest the two things are linked.
Wenger said: "I don't believe that. If he didn't play well and had not signed a contract, then people would say the opposite."I don't think that is linked, especially with the fact that he has signed a contract or not. Because you can say as well he is more secure, he can express himself.
"I don't see any difference in attitude in training. He is a guy who loves football, who stays after training, works on his finishing. He was just a bit less decisive. He needs that fraction of a second to make the difference. He needs his pace.
"In recent games he dropped a little bit. I think it was the fact that he got the muscular injury, so it was down to fatigue.
"At Bayern, he did not have the greatest game but he still brought the goal and he looks dangerous. Until recently he made the difference time after time.
"He will come back."
Arsenal have their fingers crossed that Walcott will be ready for the home game with Norwich the following weekend if the West Brom trip comes too soon.The same goes for midfielder Jack Wilshere, with Wenger hoping the 21-year-old ankle-injury victim will be back for the run-in after returning to training.
Walcott is facing a race to be fit for Saturday's trip to West Brom after a groin injury suffered on England duty, and even if he is available again, a drop in form has derailed the winger's season.
The 24-year-old, who signed a new contract in January, has not scored for the Gunners since that same month - but Wenger insists their fans are wrong to suggest the two things are linked.
Wenger said: "I don't believe that. If he didn't play well and had not signed a contract, then people would say the opposite."I don't think that is linked, especially with the fact that he has signed a contract or not. Because you can say as well he is more secure, he can express himself.
"I don't see any difference in attitude in training. He is a guy who loves football, who stays after training, works on his finishing. He was just a bit less decisive. He needs that fraction of a second to make the difference. He needs his pace.
"In recent games he dropped a little bit. I think it was the fact that he got the muscular injury, so it was down to fatigue.
"At Bayern, he did not have the greatest game but he still brought the goal and he looks dangerous. Until recently he made the difference time after time.
"He will come back."
Arsenal have their fingers crossed that Walcott will be ready for the home game with Norwich the following weekend if the West Brom trip comes too soon.The same goes for midfielder Jack Wilshere, with Wenger hoping the 21-year-old ankle-injury victim will be back for the run-in after returning to training.
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