Welbeck back at Christmas, actually

Danny Welbeck is reportedly on course for a Christmas return despite Roy Hodgson’s more pessimistic prediction that he would miss the next six months.

The Daily Telegraph are reporting that ‘Arsenal’s timescale is unaltered and they believe that the end of this year is still a realistic target’ for Welbeck, who has undergone surgery on his left knee.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has come under intense criticism for failing to buy strikers in the summer when he was aware of Welbeck’s extended absence.

In other Gunners injury news, Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny are expected to be available again for Saturday’s clash with Stoke City.

Koscielny played 90 minutes for Arsenal against Newcastle but Mertesacker has missed the Gunners’ last two Premier League games with a virus.

Arsenal perma-crock Jack Wilshere should resume training next week.