Arsenal have been struck with injuries in recent weeks, although Wenger is slowly beginning to get options back in the squad. The likes of Xhaka, Elneny and Welbeck have all returned to the side in recent weeks, but it’s the latter who has been ruled out for the Gunners, for their upcoming game.
Welbeck has struggled massively with injury problems since his move to Arsenal from Manchester United, with hamstring and knee issues being the bulk of his concerns. It’s frustrating to hear that once again Welbeck is ruled out of the Arsenal squad, but thankfully this time it’s more precautionary than anything.
Usually Arsene Wenger reveals the injury update in his weekly pre-match press conference, but it is Welbeck himself who announced the news that he wouldn’t be taking part against Sutton.
Welbeck stated: “Glad to get 70 minutes today to build up my match fitness. Plastic pitch at Sutton isn’t the best idea at the moment.”
Welbeck, who only returned from a knee injury last month, was named in the Gunners Under 23s game against Leicester today. It came as a shock that he was named in the Under 23s squad, especially since he hadn’t had much of a role against Bayern Munich. However, as Welbeck states, the plastic pitch that Sutton play on may not be the best idea for him to come back to, especially having suffered with his latest knee injury for almost an entire year.
It will be disappointing not to see Welbeck out on the pitch against Sutton, because it would’ve been a real opportunity for the striker to get some minutes for the side and impress in a team where not all the big stars will be playing. With Welbeck therefore ruled out, it means that Wenger may decide to include another first team big name to play against the non-league side. If Lucas Perez is fit to play, I’d like to see him get a full 90 minutes on the pitch tomorrow evening.
By AH