Wenger will reward 'dangerous' Walcott

Walcott has failed to break into Wenger's starting XI this season but scored twice during Arsenal's Europa League victory on Thursday.

He has struggled for selection in the attacking line amid competition from Danny Welbeck, Alexis Sanchez, Alexandre Lacazette and Mesut Ozil.

Despite impressing in his role behind Olivier Giroud against BATE, Walcott will not be picked for the game against Brighton this weekend, as Wenger plans to rotate his squad to try and cope with a very demanding schedule.

The 28-year-old was heavily criticised after his comments following the Gunners' 3-0 loss to Crystal Palace last season, but Wenger insists that has nothing to do with his lack of minutes.

When asked if Walcott will be used more in the Premier League, Wenger responded: 'Yes. (But) the competition up front is hard.

'I have Sanchez, I have Walcott. I have shown Theo I have confidence in him for a big game (at BATE). I have a different schedule for the players who have played the full 90 (on Thursday); I will rotate again on Sunday.

'I don't relate the selection to (Walcott's post-Palace comments) at all. I have experienced many times statements after the games, so it is nothing to do with that. It is just I have many strikers of top quality.

'Lucas Perez I have given out on loan so that is why I have all these decisions to make on that front. It is important to give them enough games.

'He could have scored more (at BATE), but his strength is scoring goals. He can score goals: he is a good finisher and had two or three more chances. But as long as the team played very well, there were plenty of chances.

'He has good quality in the timing of his runs and the quality of his runs. He goes into areas where he is dangerous.'