Arsenal forward Theo Walcott has said that keeping Jack Wilshere fit next season is integral to his side's chances of success.

Wilshere has been plagued by a string of persistent injury problems in recent seasons, with knee and ankle complaints restricting his time on the pitch.

Walcott believes that if his England international teammate is firing on all cylinders, the pair can combine to help Arsene Wenger's side flourish.

He told The Guardian: "It's so important for the club that Jack stays fit. He gets everything ticking and makes everything sort of flow.

"I didn't really get to play with Jack at all last season so it's nice that he's back. He's had so many injury problems at such a young age and now we hope they've gone out of the window.

"Without a doubt, he's going to make our team better. He can spot anything when you're making your runs. We're definitely going to have a very good season together."

Wilshere returned to action in a pre-season friendly against Vietnam on Wednesday, playing 23 minutes for the Gunners in a 7-1 victory.