The Gunners star could make his first league start since August on Sunday after spending the last six weeks on the treatment table with an ankle injury. Walcott, who picked up his injury on international duty for England, has watched on as players such as Newcastle's Hatem Ben Arfa have suffered leg-breaking tackles. The 21-year-old is likely to come up against Nigel de Jong - the player who left Ben Arfa in a heap after his robust challenge - in Sunday's clash with Manchester City, and he is expecting rough treatment at Eastlands. Walcott, who came on as a substitute in Arsenal's midweek triumph over Shakhtar Donetsk in Europe, said: "There have been a lot of breakages this season, more than normal. "I'm a player who gets kicked all the time. I just have to get back up from it and move on. "With training, hopefully I can get back to the physical side of things with my ankle. "I've been whacked on it once but I think I need a couple more to be sure it's okay. "Wayne Bridge will be left-back at City. I'm sure I'll take a few whacks and bruises but I'll be fine." Walcott insists the pressure is off Arsenal heading into this weekend's fixture because the way City have started the season. Roberto Mancini's side are second in the table, three points ahead of the Gunners, and the former Southampton performer reckons his team are the underdogs. "Man City are probably one of the favourites for the league going into Sunday's game and maybe favourites against us," Walcott added. "That's good for us. We'll go there with no fear and express ourselves and try to get that result we need. "City are very strong. They beat Chelsea at their place. They have so much money and have fantastic players and I think they are starting to gel now. "They are growing every single game but, hopefully, we can stutter their season."
