Theo Walcott has admitted he is still haunted by the shoulder injury that sidelined him for four months earlier this season.

The Arsenal winger has started just 12 matches since suffering a dislocation while on England duty in November and subsequently undergoing an operation to fix an hereditary problem.

Walcott cut a peripheral figure in both legs of the Gunners' Champions League defeat to Manchester United and failed to maintain a bright start in Sunday's 4-1 home defeat against Chelsea.

And the 20-year-old, who last week signed a new long-term contract at the club thought to be worth in the region of £50,000-a-week, revealed his right shoulder is still affecting his performance despite returning to action over two months ago.

“My shoulder feels as strong as anything but I think I'm still holding it slightly when I'm running to be honest — I've watched myself a few times on the TV and noticed that I've got my arm to one side,” said Walcott.

“It's a natural thing, subconscious really, but I'm trying to get out of it and it's not something that anyone else has brought up to me.”

Although Walcott is inherently weak in his shoulders due to an condition inherited from his father, Arsenal's medical staff remain confident it will not curtail his career.

He added: “I'm still running fine and getting whacked sometimes. In terms of form, I started well against Blackburn and fitness coach Tony Colbert said my intense running was very good as well.

“It's been good to get on the scoresheet lately too, but I just want to be on the winning team.”
Walcott will get another chance to impress on the big stage when Arsenal travel to Old Trafford on Saturday.

Kolo Toure will have a key role to play trying to keep Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov quiet after the Gunners conceded seven goals in their last two games.

But the defender has warned Arsenal today that the club need to show that they appreciate him more.

The Ivory Coast international handed in a transfer request in December after becoming disillusioned with life at Arsenal, but it was turned down.

Since then he has been an ever present in the side, although has been unable to prevent the team going a fourth season without a trophy.

But Toure, who has just one year left on his current deal, insists he has put his past grievances behind him and is looking to stay on.

He said: “There is still time on my contract and I hope the club will show that they need me. When you love somebody it's important that they love you back. I have loved this club for years and I always give everything for the team.

“I have been here a long time and when I saw some players leaving the club last year that was difficult for me. Then when we didn't start the season well I was scared.

“You start to think that maybe the club don't need you any more. When it's like that and you are 28 you have to think about yourself as well. But I came back, I'm playing at the moment and I hope that will carry on.

“People know I love the club, nobody can say I don't. I believe you can only truly love one club in your career and my club is Arsenal.”