‘Frustrated’ Welbeck eyes New Year return

Arsenal striker Danny Welbeck hopes to be back in action by January after feeling ‘helpless’ on the sidelines.

The England striker, yet to kick a ball in anger this season, underwent knee surgery early in September to correct a persistent problem.

Welbeck admitted it has been tough to watch the Gunners from the sidelines this term but has set his sights on a comeback just after the Christmas period.

“It’s difficult to put an exact date on it, around the New Year,” he told The National when asked about his return date.

“After I had the operation I was in a leg brace for about four weeks, which wasn’t easy. I had to do a lot of machine work, about six hours a day.

“It’s good to finally be out of the brace now and walking. It feels like I’m getting that little bit closer to getting back out on the pitch.

“It’s frustrating being on the sidelines and watching on – you feel kind of helpless. But you just have to keep motivated. The appetite’s there, you just want to get back out on the pitch and show what you can do.

“Obviously there’s some days when you just want to be back out there playing, but it’s a process and something that I’ve learnt to deal with in time. But it’s hard.”