Arsenal attacker Theo Walcott says the injury suffered by teammate Eduardo da Silva won't affect their focus for the remainder of this season.

"Of course Eduardo has been on our minds," Walcott told Arsenal.com. "It was a quiet coach ride home and felt just like a loss in truth.

"We had a couple of days off and then actually went bowling to keep our team-spirit up. A couple of lads went to see him yesterday and reported back to the rest of us.

"But we have tried to forget about it in a way and concentrate on Saturday.

"We don't all want to rush there and then gradually stop. It will be more difficult for him in later months so we want to be there for him the whole time he is out."

After grabbing his first Premier League goals at Birmingham, Walcott adds: "I feel upbeat, I feel confident.

"The goals helped and they gave me a boost so hopefully I can take that into Saturday.

"It was nice to get a poacher's goal. My agents have told me I need more of those. Then the second was more about the kind of player I am. Left-foot too, which is something people have questioned me about.

"Now I just have to improve with every game and time will tell [if I can fill the striker's role]. After all, the boss picks the team so when I do play I will just do my best."