Arsene Wenger has confirmed that Jack Wilshere and Theo Walcott will start against BATE Borisov on Thursday.

Arsenal will play the final game of their Europa League group against BATE Borisov on Thursday night.

It’s expected that Arsenal will rotate their entire starting eleven ahead of Sunday’s Premier League clash with Southampton.

Speaking in his pre-game press conference, Wenger confirmed that Jack Wilshere and Theo Walcott will be amongst those returning to the starting eleven.

Wenger confirms Wilshere and Walcott will start. On Walcott: "He works very hard to come back into it. He had a sickness a few weeks ago and after I didn't change the squad but in training he looks very sharp." So you are keeping him in January? "Yes."

— James Olley (@JamesOlley) December 6, 2017

Walcott had been absent for several weeks with an illness. He missed the 1-0 defeat in Cologne. His absence has fuelled speculation that he could be allowed to leave in the January transfer window should the right offer arrive.

However, it seems Arsene Wenger wants to keep the forward. At least, that’s what he’s saying publicly.

As for Wilshere, he featured briefly in the 1-0 win over Burnley and the 5-0 win over Huddersfield. He was, though, an unused substitute in the 3-1 defeat to Manchester United last Saturday.

Wilshere has been a regular in these Europa League matches, and will want to make the most he can of this final group game.