Arsenal injury crisis deepens after Gunners ace is ruled out until February

Danny Welbeck is expected to return in February

 

DANNY WELBECK is expected to be sidelined until February, according to reports.

 

The England international has been out of action this season following a serious knee injury.

Welbeck underwent knee surgery in September and had been expected to return next month.

But according to The Sun he won't be available until February - leaving him less time to secure a place in Roy Hodgson's squad for next summer's European Championships.

 

The striker will have several months to impress the England boss but faces tough competition from the likes of Jamie Vardy, Harry Kane, Wayne Rooney and Daniel Sturridge.

Arsenal were yesterday handed a last-16 tie against Barcelona in the Champions League.

 

Danny Welbeck has not featured for the Gunners this season

The first legs are scheduled to take place on 16-17 and 23-24 February with the return legs on 8-9 and 15-16 March.

Welbeck will be hoping he is fit and available to contribute to Arsenal's European campaign when they welcome the La Liga giants to the Emirates Stadium in February.