Arsenal have announced Danny Welbeck will be sidelined for nine months after having surgery to his right knee.
Welbeck, 25, was stretchered off midway through the first half of their 2-2 draw with Manchester City having only just returned to full fitness from a similarly lengthy injury lay-off due to an injury to his other knee.
Specialists confirmed Arsenal’s worst fears and concluded surgery was necessary meaning Welbeck will miss the European Championships in the summer and won’t return to first-team action until next year.
The news comes as a huge blow to Roy Hodgson, who had delayed naming his England squad for the Euros from Thursday to Monday in order to find out the news on Welbeck.
Only Alexis Sanchez (7) has scored more league goals for Arsenal in 2016 than Welbeck (4).
For more stats on Danny Welbeck, click here to visit his WhoScored player page
