Arsenal vs Queens Park Rangers - Walcott set for Gunners return

Posted Saturday, December 31, 2011 by PA

Arsenal winger Theo Walcott, who missed the draw against Wolves on Tuesday, has recovered from illness and is expected to return against QPR.

Defender Bacary Sagna (broken leg) is on schedule to return at the end of January along with fellow full-back Kieran Gibbs (stomach).

Midfielder Jack Wilshere (ankle) could be back by the middle of February while full-back Carl Jenkinson remains sidelined with a back problem. Brazilian left-sided player Andre Santos (ankle) is expected to be sidelined until March.

Manager Arsene Wenger has confirmed Thierry Henry will sign a two-month deal to return to the club if insurance agreements can be worked out with New York Red Bulls.

Henry has been training with Arsenal in the MLS off-season and is not required to return to the United States until March.

Wenger said: "For two months it certainly will happen. I don't take care of the agreement and the insurance and that is not completed.

"At the moment we cannot announce anything because all the paperwork is not done.

"To cover for two months is ideal. He has the experience and the quality. He knows the club and can help the players on and off the pitch.

"He has exceptional talent and is a very intelligent man, it can only be positive."

QPR manager Neil Warnock has welcomed Henry's return to the Premier League - but is relieved he cannot feature for Arsenal on Saturday.

Warnock admitted he too is looking at the possibility of short-term loans from Major League Soccer, but admits there is nobody available of Henry's calibre.

"We are looking in that area as well," Warnock said.

"It is great to get somebody in for a couple of months if you can. Unfortunately for us we have not found anybody at the moment.

"As for Henry, it is fantastic. I do love him. I think he is an amazing player and for me to see him back in the Premier League [is brilliant].

"I am just glad the transfer window does not open until January 1.

"He is everything you like about football and oozes class.

"I don't think age matters really when you have got experience. He is going to get plenty of the ball, plenty of opportunities the way Arsenal play and I think he will do very well.

"They say you should never go back, but in Arsenal's case they have lost a couple to the African Nations Cup.

"It can only help them. It is not as if they are signing him for two years.

"I don't know where they can go wrong for two months. I think it is a fantastic signing."

Anton Ferdinand continues to miss out in the Rangers defence with a hamstring injury, while Armand Traore, Matt Connolly and Jay Bothroyd will all be hoping to feature against their former club.