It’s over 200 days now since Danny Welbeck kicked a ball in anger and the striker admits he’s finding it difficult spending his time in the gym when his teammates are out training with the ball.
The 24-year-old has missed 25 domestic games and a host of England’s Euro 2016 qualifiers since limping off with a knee problem against Chelsea in April and is currently penciled in for a January return.
Speaking to Arsenal Player about the seven-month lay-off the former Manchester United man revealed he’s chomping at the bit to make his return.
“It’s slow and steady but it’s coming along. It’s difficult to see the lads when you’re still in the gym, doing double days, but once I get back out on the pitch and start running I will be much happier. It’s a difficult period for me but I’m looking forward to coming back strong.
“I want to get back out on the pitch, keep on improving, keep training and keep fit – that’s the main thing. I just want to get back to playing football.
“I’m trying to build to muscle and it’s hard, but it’s something that I’ve grasped with two hands and I’m really looking forward to my return.”
Welbeck scored eight goals in 35 appearances last term and is shaping up to be Wenger’s ‘LANS’ player of January 2016…well…alongside Jack Wilshere and Tomas Rosicky, who’ve also failed to make a single appearance for us this term.
More muscle sounds good, he was pretty fast and strong already. Could be a beast if it all works OK and he does more finishing practice as well, that is his biggest issue for me.
Absolutely agree. Has all the attributes to be a very good player. His movement, pace, strength and work rate are excellent. Just needs to be more clinical. But he’s still young and seems to have the right attitude.
Agree. Ôzil made the most of his time out in that regard
I miss Dat Guy.
I miss his hi-top fade away.
I hope he is back fit to score away at United again.
Agreed. Hate to be the party pooper, but I’m guessing he’s talking about rebuilding muscle. Anyone who’s has a bone/ligament problem would know about muscle wastage with long periods of inactivity.
@locksley444 – I disagree, I think he is definitely talking about the fact that he is trying to build more muscle so he comes back stronger. As he actually says ‘“I’m trying to build to muscle and it’s hard,’ When you’re a certain build like he is, and if you have a fast metabolic rate – like he probably does. It is really difficult to build muscle as you have to dramatically up your daily calorie intake in order to do so, and it is so hard to do. Now when I say increase your calories, I don’t mean cheeseburgers… Read more »
His finishing he needs to improve but more importantly his willingness to shoot needs to improve too. For a CF I think he plays it too safe, he needs to take more risks. He’s got the ability, he just needs to add that aggressive mentality to his game. Glad to have him back though, kind of a combination of Giroud and Walcott, could end up better than both!
Really looking forward to Welbeck coming back! I think he adds a different dynamic and something new to the attack.
he’ll be hitting peak fitness and form by the end of February. Just in time to score the winner at the Glazerdome, then. Happy days!
He’s sort of of Ramsey, Walcott and the Ox all rolled into one. I think Wenger loves him due to how well he understands the game and the defensive aspect of playing on the wing. He provides a lot of balance similar to Ramsey, just with a lot more pace and power. If only he had close control and a composed finish to match. Kind of shoots like he’s got a wooden leg at times.
Be dat guy, Welbz.
If your not already follow him on Twitter, it’s a blast!
“I’m trying to build to muscle and it’s hard, but it’s something that I’ve grasped with two hands and I’m really looking forward to my return.”
That’s so inappropriate and rude
I bet that’s because you’re always thinking about Coq.
Wenger’s made great strikers out of far less than Welbeast, hoping he can be our equivalent of Aubameyang for Dortmund.
Something tells me United are going to regret selling this guy big time. He has pace, height, strength, not bad in the air and can beat a man – such a rare combination to have. His precision in front of goal will come with more work; and when that happens, the blame will begin at Old Trafford.
*blame game will begin at Old Trafford*.
What are you talking about? They signed Falcao instead!
…
I really feel for him, come back strong Danny and let the injury gods stop depriving us of your talents. On another note, imagine how gleefully the press would have been reporting about Benzema being arrested had ARSENAL signed him this summer – *dodges massive sex-tape embezzlement case shaped bullet*
I really like Welbeck on the right. I would choose him over the ox (if Ox’s form doesn’t improve). Can also be a good option upfront.
I just want him, Giroud and Walcott to be fit for the second half of the season. Will give us so many options!
This was the biggest blow of the transfer window – was really looking to him to kick-on this season. All the tools, just needs to bring it together. Best of Giroud and Walcott combined. Was expecting more night like the Galatasary evening.
looking forward to his return! Hope his first touch is better when He’s back!
Welwick right , Sanchez left & Walcott through the middle . The pace there is frightening .
*Welbeck. Fucking phone .
Unleash the Welbeck! Missed him and I’ve even forgotten he’s still an Arsenal Player…Naah that’s a joke.
COYG.
Genuinely can’t wait for him to come back.
Himself and Özil had an excellent rapport on the pitch typified by that 5 minute 3 goal pasting of Villa last season.
Another winner against ManUtd this season would be sweet
Really looking forward to his return. A fit Welbeck, Walcott and Giroud is our best chance of winner the league!
It’ll be good to have Welbeck available for selection again, and January’16 is just around
the corner.
I’d like to see Welbeck improve: his finishing; his hold & link up play when playing centrally; and his heading and general use of his left foot, as he’s far too ‘one footed’ at present.
I think improvements in all these areas would take him to the next level, and make him a fearsome all round striker for the mighty Arsenal.
If we get him back and Walcott, we have genuine options up top.
Considering City without Aguero and Bony have to field a relative unknown youngster, that should put into perspective all this noise about us having to sign a “world class” striker (like Falcao maybe or Benteke or Firmino) last summer. Pure drivel.
Hope Welbeck gets back into the squad quickly. He is a genuine option to Walcott and Giroud as he has a good blend of both players.
What did he actually do to his knee??? Seems to have been very covert…with the time out he’s had it must have been a significant injury.
Hope he grows into our starting centre foward for years to come.
With Walcott and Giroud in front, he probably won’t play until spring 2016. 6 months is a long time in football.