Arsenal have received a boost in their Premier League title chase with the news that Danny Welbeck is in line to make return after nine months out injured.
Welbeck, 25, has not featured for Arsenal since April and underwent knee surgery in September.
The England international returned to training last week and Arsene Wenger has confirmed the forward could pull on an Arsenal shirt for the Under-21s on Friday.
“Danny Welbeck is stepping up his rehabilitation,” Wenger confirmed his programme notes ahead of Arsenal’s clash with Southampton on Tuesday.
“We have to remember that he has not played since April 2015 and will need a game with the Under-21s, where we can monitor him and leave him free to play at his level of commitment. That looks to be very soon, maybe this week.”
This would also seemingly be good news for England boss Roy Hodgson, whom Welbeck is a favourite of.
Welbeck made 27 appearances in the league for Arsenal in first season at the club last season and scored four goals. His return would add further options for them up front, providing competition with Olivier Giroud and Theo Walcott.
For more stats on Danny Welbeck, click here to visit his WhoScored player page
