DANNY WELBECK FACES another extended period on the sidelines after Arsenal confirmed the striker has undergone surgery on his right knee.
Welbeck suffered cartilage damage during the Gunners’ 2-2 draw with Manchester City last weekend and will now miss this summer’s European Championships.
“Danny Welbeck has had surgery to his right knee,” an Arsenal statement read.
“Specialists determined surgery was required after scans and tests revealed significant cartilage damage.
“The 25-year-old was injured during Sunday’s match at Manchester City. Danny will miss the Euro 2016 Championship in the summer and his full recovery is expected to take approximately nine months.”
It’s another cruel setback for the 25-year-old at the end of an injury-plagued season. He only returned from a 10-month layoff in February following a problem with his other knee.
The former Man United striker made an impression upon his return, scoring the winning goal in his first game back against Leicester.
He was set to be an integral part of Roy Hodgson’s plans for France after scoring six goals during the qualifiers.
With news of the severity of Welbeck’s injury emerging yesterday, Hodgson announced he was delaying his 23-man squad announcement until Monday after being left with a selection headache.
With Daniel Sturridge lacking regular football following a series of niggling injuries since the turn of the year, the England boss could look to the likes of Andy Carroll and Jermain Defoe to provide depth in attack.
Following an impressive breakthrough season at Old Trafford, Marcus Rashford’s chances of earning a surprise first senior cap have also improved while the door may also have opened for Jesse Lingard.
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