Arsenal's Welbeck sets sights on new year return

Arsenal's oft-forgotten commodity, striker Danny Welbeck, has targeted the new year for a return from knee surgery that's kept him sidelined since the summer.

The versatile attacker hasn't played this season, as matters took a turn for the worse after the 24-year-old was instructed to have a knee operation in September - just days after the summer transfer window slammed shut.

A decision to have an operation was met with disdain from Arsenal supporters, who criticised manager Arsene Wenger for not signing a striker despite knowing the former Manchester United player was poised for a lengthy layoff.

For his part, Welbeck is focused solely on his recovery.

"It’s difficult to put an exact date on it, around the new year," Welbeck said, courtesy of The Guardian. "After I had the operation, I was in a leg brace for about four weeks which wasn’t easy. I had to do a lot of machine work, about six hours a day."

Welbeck added, "Sleeping in a leg brace isn’t good. At night it’s not comfortable, it’s the first time I’ve slept on my back in years."

Beyond Arsenal's needs, Welbeck is also a vital part of Roy Hodgson's plans for the England setup at next summer's Euro 2016 tournament.

The Manchester-born Welbeck scored six times in five qualifying matches prior to his injury, padding his brilliant record of 14 goals in 33 appearances for the Three Lions.

Even with a marquee continental tournament on the horizon, Welbeck is concerned about his immediate future with the North London club first and foremost.

"I am not looking ahead to the Euros at the moment,” he said. “I need to get back for Arsenal first, then see what happens. It is never good to get injured at any point. It is frustrating."