Arsenal striker Danny Welbeck has thanked fans for “all the love and support” in the wake of his operations following the horrific injury against Sporting last Thursday.
The England international had been called up to Gareth Southgate’s squad to face USA and Croatia on Thursday and Sunday respectively but sustained a broken ankle 30 minutes into his club’s goalless Europa League clash.
Recently, the 27-year-old, who last scored in the reverse fixture against Sporting in October, sent out a message to supporters on Twitter, vowing to return the favour in the future.
“Back home… Thanks for all the love and support. No doubt I will be back stronger than ever before. Recovery grind starts now,” wrote Welbeck, along with a picture of himself on crutches.
This also came in response to Unai Emery’s tweet of support for Welbeck, in which he called his absence “one more big reason to fight” against Wolves.
While there is no clear indication of how long Arsenal’s no.23 will be sidelined for, he was involved in a FaceTime call with teammates before the Gunners’ 1-1 home draw against Nuno Santo’s side, according to Football365.
Positively, however, the medical staff appear pleased with the forward’s progress, announcing that the ops “went well, without complications”.
Prior to the setback, Welbeck featured in 11 of Arsenal’s last 12 matches in all competitions, earning four goals and one assist.
Despite Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette notching up 12 Premier League goals combined this season, Welbeck has been vital for Emery’s men in continental and domestic cup matches and could be missed sorely throughout the busy festive period and beyond.
