Walcott surprises FA Cup final mascot

Nine-year-old Junior Gunner Lucas enjoyed the surprise of a lifetime ahead of Arsenal's game with West Brom on Sunday, when Theo Walcott paid him a visit with some special news.

Walcott sought out the Finsbury Park youngster in his seat at Emirates Stadium before kick-off, to tell him he had been randomly selected from over 30,000 Junior Gunners to be Arsenal's mascot for the FA Cup Final.

The Arsenal and England star explained to Lucas that he would get to visit the Gunners' changing room before the game, and lead them onto the pitch for kick-off.

He then invited Lucas pitchside to present him with an Arsenal strip and FA Cup Final tickets in front of the Emirates Stadium crowd.

Walcott said afterwards: "It was brilliant to be the one to tell Lucas he'd be our mascot for the FA Cup Final. He is Arsenal-mad and a lovely lad, so I am very happy for him. I hope he remembers the day for a long time to come."

Injured Chamberlain Facing FA cup final Fitness

Arsene Wenger has revealed that Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is facing a race against time if he’s to be involved in the FA Cup final.

The England midfielder wasn’t part of the matchday squad for the win over Newcastle United last night with the boss revealing the 20-year-old has strained his groin and will be rested for a full two weeks.

Ox-laide Chamberlain

“He [Oxlade-Chamberlain] has an inflammation of his groin,” told press last night.

“He couldn’t practise. I put him on Friday on the team sheet and played him when he was needed, but it came to a point where it didn’t progress. We decided to give him a complete rest for two weeks. Will he be involved with me? I think he has a chance. But will he be ready for England? I think so.”

Injured on the first day of the season against Aston Villa, Chamberlain has endured a frustrating season making only 12 starts in all competitions and only 20 appearances in total.

Having announced himself on the international stage with a stunning volley against Brazil last summer he was tipped for big things this year only for knee ligament damage to keep him out until January. He looked sharp against Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena in March but having been pressed into action against Wigan Athletic (when obviously not fully fit) his body again seems to be suffering. Fingers crossed he’s back soon and fit enough to be selected for England.

He’s not the only one of Roy Hodgson’s young charges racing the clock. Jack Wilshere is facing the same battle to get up to speed, although the boss did confirm last night that the 22-year-old is back in training.

“Jack is training already. It can’t tell you when he will be ready. I hope he will be back this season but I can’t tell you that tonight.” 

You suspect if we beat West Brom on Sunday he may well get himself 30 minutes against Norwich on the last day of the season

Mesut-Ozil-set to return after hamstring injury, time-Arsenals-trip-Hull-Sunday.

Arsenal have a received a timely boost in their quest for a Champions League spot after Arsene Wenger said club record signing Mesut Ozil could return for Sunday's trip to Hull. 

Ozil picked up a hamstring injury in the Champions League defeat by Bayern Munich last month and Arsenal have only won twice since as their title challenge has ground to a halt. 

Wenger took the opportunity to leap to the defence of the £42.5million man, who has had a largely underwhelming season.

Wenger said: 'He had a period where he was tired because he was not used to playing a full season. 

'He's a fantastic football players and I would put him on the list to be player of the season next season.

Nacho Monreal is also nearing a return, but fellow left back Kieran Gibbs is out of the clash.

Meanwhile, Wenger spoke of his relief at Everton's shock 3-2 defeat by Crystal Palace on Wednesday night, a results which sees the Gunners cling on to fourth place. 

'It is, of course, a big encouragement but there's there's a lot of work to do for us,' he said. 'We have a big game at Hull. 

'Mentally we are in better shape than a week ago because we had two important wins and that puts us in a better condition on the confidence front.'