THEO Walcott has no doubts he can return to form to drive Arsenal on in the Barclays premier league and play himself into the England World Cup squad.
The pacy forward made his first appearance since September when he came on for the final 20 minutes of the 2-0 win over former club Southampton at emirates Stadium on Saturday, which moved Arsenal four points clear at the top of the table after being gifted an opening goal by a blunder from visiting goalkeeper Artur Boruc.
Since being sidelined by an abdominal problem which required surgery, Walcott has seen the Gunners make positive headlines again and the likes of Tottenham winger Andros Townsend stake a claim for a place in Roy Hodgson's final party for Brazil 2014.
While the 24-year-old admits he was somewhat rusty on his comeback, Walcott (right) has every confidence it will not be long before he is up to full speed once again.
"it is a challenge i can face, I have faced some in my short career so far," said Walcott, who was a controversial omission from Fabio Capello's 2010 World Cup squad in South Africa.
"It is nothing new to me, i know how to deal with it all.
"I have some fantastic people around me and know how good i am.
"It will take a couple of games, but i am sure i will be back to my best very soon."
Walcott continued: "it has been longer than i thought, but it is so good to be back out on the pitch and playing in such a fantastic team.
"Seeing the way we play football has been fairly pleasant to watch, but any player who is injured wants to go out and perform.
"It is frustrating at times, but you have just got to think about getting back fit as soon as you can."
Walcott could be drafted into the team for tomorrow night's Champions league clash against Marseille, where another victory would see Arsenal all but through to the knockout stage.
Gunners boss Arsene Wenger feels the England forward will make a major impact when fully match-fit.
"Theo looks a bit off the pace of high level competition, but let's not forget he has been out for seven weeks," he said.
Arsenal had twice hit the woodwork before they went ahead on 22 minutes when Saints keeper Boruc was robbed in possession by Olivier Giroud and the France forward ran on to put the ball into an empty net.
Nevertheless, Wenger feels the team worked hard to secure the victory which was confirmed four minutes from time when Giroud scored a second from the penalty spot after a shirt pull by Jose Fonte on per Mertesacker.
"The team was highly focused," he said.
"We suffered a bit physically, but overall the concentration was there."