Danny Welbeck injury: Arsenal striker out for nine months and will miss England's Euro 2016 charge
The forward has undergone knee surgery
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.
Danny Welbeck is out of Euro 2016 and will be sidelined until early 2017 after being forced to undergo knee surgery that is expected to keep the Arsenal forward out of action for nine months.
The former Manchester United forward had been set to claim a place in Roy Hodgson’s England squad for next month’s European Championships in France, but after suffering a serious injury to his right knee during the 2-2 draw at Manchester City on Sunday, he has now undergone surgery to resolve ‘significant cartilage damage.’
Welbeck’s injury has now opened the door for Newcastle United’s Andros Townsend to earn a late call-up for France, although Hodgson is understood to also be considering the merits of Arsenal’s Theo Walcott and Manchester United midfielder Jesse Lingard.
Having been sidelined for ten months with an injury to his left knee, only returning to action in February, Welbeck’s new setback is also a huge blow for Arsenal, which may prompt manager Arsene Wenger to target attacking reinforcements this summer in an attempt to make up for the loss of the 25-year-old, who had scored five goals in 15 appearance since his return to action.
Arsenal confirmed the extent of Welbeck’s injury in a statement on Wednesday afternoon.
The statement said: “Danny Welbeck has had surgery to his right knee. Specialists determined surgery was required after scans and tests revealed significant cartilage damage.
“Danny will miss the Euro 2016 Championship in the summer and his full recovery is expected to take approximately nine months.
“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.”
England manager Hodgson had been due to name his 23-man squad for France on Thursday, but has now put that announcement back until next Monday in order to assess the fitness of Jack Wilshere and Jordan Henderson
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments