Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has urged more patience as Theo Walcott continues to return to full fitness.

The 26-year old forward has made 13 appearances since returning from a serious knee injury and has not quite reached his best form for the Gunners.

As Walcott's future at the Emirates Stadium comes under question, his manager has kept faith in the England international by suggesting he needs more time to get back to the dazzling performances he produced in the previous few seasons.

"Theo's strength is the quality of his movement, he wants to go and get on the end of things. He's not a guy who provides," said Wenger.

"People have a harsh judgement on him that is not deserved because he does well. For me, he is on course to come back.

"I don't worry about Theo because he's not completely there yet and I told you a few times that he has been out for a year with a very bad injury and he's coming back.

"He is not fragile mentally, he is strong mentally. He has big confidence in himself and he has gone through some difficult periods in his life and he has always come out with strength."