Arsène Wenger says Theo Walcott took a while to get back to his best, but now he’s in a good shape and impressing.

Walcott has seen his appearances limited since the start of the season, only starting three matches so far, and none in the league.

That continues the theme of the end of last season, when the 28-year-old only made the starting eleven in one of the Gunners’ last eight league games, after that disappointing night against Crystal Palace.

Now Wenger says the winger is back on a good path, explaining: “He had a good game in Borisov – it’s true the team was on a very good run. He looks back to a very good shape. I felt it took him a while to come back to his real level,” reports Football.London.

“He lost his place at the end of the season and he is now highly motivated and focused. I am impressed at what he is doing and with how he is coping with the situation.”

Walcott has three goals and an assist in his three starts this season, and will be hoping to add to that tally as the Gunners face Red Star Belgrade in tonight’s Europa League clash.

Last time out, the England international combined well with his compatriot, Jack Wilshere. Wilshere is another who is yet to start in the league, for fitness reasons in his case. But the pair looked very good against BATE Borisov, with both the chances the 25-year-old created falling to Theo.

Overall, Wilshere got many of the plaudits, but Walcott got two goals that ended up being the difference between a draw and a win, so they both had a part to play. Now it’s about doing the same again in Belgrade.