Arsene Wenger: 'Danny Welbeck closing in on return'

Arsene Wenger has revealed that striker Danny Welbeck could soon be ready to re-join Arsenal's first-team squad.

Welbeck has been absent since suffering a serious knee injury against Manchester City in May, but the Gunners boss has suggested that the England international could be back in contention at the turn of the year.

Wenger told reporters: "Danny Welbeck is one week away from being back in full training with the squad."

Since signing for Arsenal in September 2014, the forward has made just 49 appearances in all competitions after two extended spells on the sidelines.

He had scored five goals in 15 games during a three-month period at the start of 2016 before his injury at the Etihad Stadium.