Last week Arsenal fans were given some good news on the injury front after Arsene Wenger revealed that Danny Welbeck was not far off returning training. The striker had been sidelined for over six months but has been back in light training this week after his long term absence.
Welbeck has not suffered a setback since his return to training, which is good news considering the amount of first team players that put much pressure on the injured area upon returning to training. He has been working hard to build on his match fitness, whilst his physical strength is sure to be at the top of his game right now, having had six plus months to work on it.
Wenger has today revealed ahead of the Gunners New Year’s Day clash with Crystal Palace, that Welbeck will soon be returning on the pitch, but that it may still be a few weeks before he makes another competitive appearance with the team. Wenger said: “He’s fit, he’s sharp. Will I involve him in the short-term or not, or will I play him first in a game with the under-23s? I have not decided yet, but in training he looks quite good.”
It’s great news to hear that the Welbeck will soon be an available option for Wenger again, because the English striker really offers the Gunners something different up front as opposed to Giroud. Admittedly I don’t know where Welbeck stands in this Arsenal side given Alexis’ rise to prominence up front, because I reckon that Welbeck may now be reduced to a role of the wing rather than play as a striker. However wherever the English international plays, he is sure to give Arsenal a boost in the second half of the season.
I think it’s the right decision for Wenger to give Welbeck one or two under 23 games prior to a return to the first team. This will allow him to build his match fitness ahead of a very competitive and physical premier league. It’ll then be better to ease him into a role in the match day squad rather than immediately put him back into the starting line up and risk injury. Let’s hope Welbeck stays injury free for the second half of the campaign, because as he proved last season he could be very important in our drive for success.
By AH
this is what wenger has made us become.
We feel now that welbeck is the saviour.
Welbeck scored some important last minute goals for us hen he came back last season. He only made 7 League starts and scored 4 goals. He may not be a saviour he is a helpful addition to the squad.
IMO, sadly it’s likely to be months before Welbeck is anywhere near his best.
He just needs to find his touch again, lost it up in old Trafford somewhere, might go up tonight and have a look for it.
I’ve missed Dhat guy so very much and can’t wait to have him back in the squad (Forgive me for rushing him back into the squad from injury L()L)
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But sometimes i feel like he’s capable of creating something out of nothing infront of goal….when it’s hot on our heels and in the dying minutes of pressure….. Welbeck can rise up to the ocassion…
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An injury free career is one thing he so needs….
You can’t wish any of our players an injury free career whiles they are playing for Arsenal.
Injury is part and parcel of Arsenal.We can’t do without injury.
Ask Jack Wilshere
It’ll be interesting seeing Welbz and Iwobi in the same team, add Giroud to that and we finally have height. Add Alexis and we have speed, Theo Ox too for speed. Perez still to find where he stands, we have the numbers if they can all stay fit. We have the goals, just a pity we lost Mustafi when we did. We’ll get another chance though.