Arsenal striker Danny Welbeck is 'back to his best' and has 'become a stronger man' after returning from 10-month injury

  • Arsenal news: Click here for all the latest from the Emirates 
  • Danny Welbeck made his first appearance since April against Leicester
  • Arsenal striker came off the bench to score the winning goal late on
  • Arsene Wenger says the injury has made him come back strong
  • Welbeck could start against Hull City in the FA Cup on Saturday

Arsene Wenger believes Danny Welbeck’s injury lay-off has made him a ‘stronger man’ and is contemplating handing the striker his first start since April in their FA Cup clash against Hull.

The England striker returned from 10 months on the sidelines to score a stoppage-time winner against Barclays Premier League leaders Leicester City last week.

It was revealed this week that Welbeck’s team-mates chanted his name as he walked into the changing room after that win and Wenger could reward him with a place in the team on Saturday.

Danny Welbeck scores a last-gasp header to win Arsenal the game against Leicester on his return from injury

Danny Welbeck scores a last-gasp header to win Arsenal the game against Leicester on his return from injury

Welbeck celebrates in front of the Arsenal fans, and Arsene Wenger has praised his character 

Welbeck celebrates in front of the Arsenal fans, and Arsene Wenger has praised his character 

‘It’s always a good observation of a character and person to be injured for such a long time,’ Wenger said. 


‘You look how does he resist to that stress of not being capable to play. How much can he respond. The effort he puts in in his rehab and how focused can he be every day.

‘In Danny’s case he had a few setbacks. He got injured in April. We prepared him for the FA Cup final. He had a setback – a huge setback – and has become a stronger man.

‘Physically he is back to his best.’ 

The England striker is mobbed by his Arsenal team-mates, and Wenger says he is now a 'stronger man'

The England striker is mobbed by his Arsenal team-mates, and Wenger says he is now a 'stronger man'

The Arsenal boss celebrated wildly when Welbeck scored his goal, and could start him in the Cup against Hull

The Arsenal boss celebrated wildly when Welbeck scored his goal, and could start him in the Cup against Hull

Wenger also revealed that, having made a successful return to first team action against Leicester from the bench, the England striker could be in line for a start in the FA Cup against Hull on Saturday.

'I might start him,' said the Arsenal boss ahead of his 100th FA Cup tie as a manager.

'I haven't decided yet completed, but it crosses my mind.'

The Arsenal star is only just approaching his peak according to Wenger, who praised his skill and resiliance

The Arsenal star is only just approaching his peak according to Wenger, who praised his skill and resiliance

Welbeck suffered several setbacks during his long lay-off, but bounced back in the perfect way

Welbeck suffered several setbacks during his long lay-off, but bounced back in the perfect way