Danny Welbeck injury latest: Arsenal confirm England international has sustained ‘significant’ ankle injury

The England international was carried off on a stretcher midway through the first-half of the goalless draw with Sporting

Danny Welbeck suffered a “significant right ankle injury” in Arsenal’s goalless draw with Sporting on Thursday night, the club have confirmed.

The England international was carried off on a stretcher midway through the first-half of the goalless draw at the Emirates Stadium.

Welbeck fell awkwardly on his ankle after jumping for a header and received oxygen on the pitch before being taken to hospital.

“Danny remains in hospital and will continue to be assessed,” the club posted on arsenal.com on Friday afternoon.

“A further update will be issued over the next 72 hours.”

Welbeck will now miss England’s forthcoming internationals against the United States and Croatia, having been named in Gareth Southgate’s 28-man squad earlier on Thursday.

The Independent understands Southgate is unlikely to call up a replacement in his place.

Welbeck has endured a wretched injury record since signing for Arsenal from Manchester United, with this latest setback his seventh serious problem since moving to The Emirates in 2014.

Several of Welbeck’s team-mates were left in clear distress as he received lengthy treatment before being carried away, although Rob Holding has backed the 27-year-old to make yet another successful comeback.

“I didn't see it because obviously I'm at the other end of the pitch so I didn't see exactly what he'd done,” said Holding.

Welbeck's season is in peril (Arsenal FC via Getty)

“But Danny is a tough lad so if he's on the floor, I know its something serious and he's gone off to hospital now and we'll see what happens.

“He's been so unlucky with injuries over the past few years but he's a good character and got a good set of lads around him so we'll lift him up and get him back as soon as we can. He can come back strong.”

Welbeck is out of contract in the summer and was heavily rumoured with a move away from Arsenal in the summer transfer window.

And after the goalless draw, which saw Arsenal seal progression to the knockout stages of the Europa League for the second season in succession, Emery was reluctant to offer assurances that he will be offered a contract extension.

Emery was reluctant to offer assurances (Arsenal FC via Getty)

“The best thing for him now is to think about the person,” Emery said.

“He is a very good person, his commitment with us is a very big commitment.

“He helps us with his quality and capacity. This injury is very big for him, for us and for all people who like and love him as a person.”