Arsenal’s Danny Welbeck Out For Nine Months After Knee Surgery

Arsenal striker Danny Welbeck has been ruled out for nine months after undergoing surgery on his right knee.

Welbeck, 25, was injured during Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.

The injury – he suffered significant cartilage damage – rules him out of England’s Euro 2016 campaign and he may not be available again until February 2017.

A statement on the Arsenal website read: “Since returning to action in February after injuring his left knee in May last year, Welbeck’s impact has been telling – scoring five times, including the recent winner against Norwich City at Emirates Stadium.

“Everyone at Arsenal will be working hard with Danny throughout his recovery and look forward to seeing him back on the pitch as soon as possible.”

Welbeck tweeted: “I will be back stronger.”

The striker suffered a similar injury to his left knee in April last year which eventually required an operation and kept him on the sidelines for 10 months.

He only returned from that injury in February this year, scoring a dramatic injury-time winner in the 2-1 victory over Leicester at the Emirates.

He scored five goals in 15 appearances for the Gunners and his impressive form had put him in a strong position to be selected as one of England boss Roy Hodgson’s striking options in France this summer.

Welbeck hurt his knee tackling City defender Bacary Sagna in the 23rd minute of the game.

He received treatment and then tried to play on, only to walk off the pitch a minute later.

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