Arsene Wenger has said Danny Welbeck will be a “big loss” for England this summer. But the Arsenal boss insisted Jack Wilshere and Theo Walcott can play a big role at Euro 2016.
Former Manchester United striker Welbeck has been ruled out for nine months with a knee injury he suffered against Manchester City last Sunday.
“We are all devastated and very sad and personally when I say we are very sad the whole team is thinking like that,” Wenger said. “It's surprising news... I thought he would miss the Euros and that was bad but...
“To be out for nearly a year and just come back and get news like that. We will support him to cope with it. We have a secret hope it will be shorter.”
Welbeck, who had missed seven months with another knee injury, would probably have started for Roy Hodgson's side in France.
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“He was in the qualifiers a key player and had a good understanding with the rest of the squad,” the Frenchman said.
“He is very versatile as well he can play on the flank or through the middle, it's a big loss for England as well.”
Wenger said Jack Wilshere was fit to start against Aston Villa on Sunday to prove his fitness before England's squad announcement on Monday.
“I expect him to pick him as he is an important player in his mind for his passing qualities. It (his lack of game time) could be in his favour.”
Theo Walcott is not certain to be picked but Wenger stated: "He should go. He has gone through a bad spell, after the Man United game he had a difficult period.
"In the last month he came back very strong and worked very hard at training and could be a positive surprise for England.”