Arsenal's Theo Walcott will return to full training next week

Theo Walcott's long-awaited return is inching closer with each passing day.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger confirmed Tuesday that the English winger, who has been out of action since rupturing his ACL in January, will finally begin working with his teammates once again in just a matter of days.

"Walcott is joining in full training next week," Wenger said, via ESPN FC. "It's very good news. Serge Gnabry as well."

"It's a big thing for us. Let's not forget that Theo got injured on Jan. 1 and we are now in October."

"That's 10 months and we had to wait for a long time. Hopefully now we will have no more setbacks."

Wenger said last week that the team is targeting sometime in the middle of October as a potential return to match action for Walcott. Given the recent rash of injuries that has befallen the club, Walcott's return can't come soon enough.