Arsenal attacker Theo Walcott admits it's been a tough 2017.

He has found life on the sidelines difficult to take in recent months, having gradually fallen out of favour after starting last season by scoring 11 goals before Christmas.

“I can't lie, it has obviously been very difficult the way the season has started, compared to last season," he told the London Evening Standard.

“I had such a big influence last year and the amount of goals I scored but now it has been a bit of a stuttering start to the season. But, I am focused, I am working hard as best I can do.

“There are opportunities for me in this competition at this moment in time. I am working hard in training, doing all the things on and off the field right, trying to look after myself, keep in shape as best I can, and be ready when the manager calls upon me.

“But I want to be in that Premier League team, simple as that. I want to play football. I enjoy playing in any competition. I am getting on now – 28 is not actually that old but in a football sense, maybe – but I want to play. I have obviously missed it. If I can express myself in any competition I am involved in, I am going to do it.

“The manager knows that I've always been there for him. I have managed to bounce back from worse things but it is just one of those things in football you have got to deal with. I am dealing with it in the right way and that's to be complete focused. That's all I can be."