Danny Welbeck is set to play for the Arsenal U23 side against Leicester this afternoon, a move that would almost certainly rule him out of tomorrow night’s FA Cup clash with Sutton United.
The striker was a two goal hero in the last round against Southampton, but playing today means he is unlikely to feature against Sutton.
It’s something that will cause some consternation amongst fans who are eager to see him back in action and for the team to be given a bit of a shake-up, but there are reasons why this might be happening.
Sutton play on an artificial pitch, and that has been known to cause problems for players in the past, and there may be some underlying fitness issues that he’s dealing with as he makes his way back from a serious knee injury.
Given the opposition and the fact it’s the FA Cup, it’s a game Welbeck would normally have featured in, so there’s definitely some measure of caution being taken with at this moment in time.
We’ll have to defer to the decisions of the medical staff on this one, but it is a shame that we’re unlikely to see him tomorrow night after his exploits at St Mary’s.
Artificial pitch and his knees = potential disaster so I understand the caution.
Just so I’ve got this straight. Danny Welbeck (26) a player that many of us would like to see feature in the cup game on Monday is playing for the under 23s against Leicester. Alexis has been given time off and Lucas is still injured (?) so our attacking options are……Words fail me
Our attacking option is a prolific French international against non-league opposition… you’re right, can things GET any worse?! :'(
Yeah Giroud, Walcott, Iwobi as the front three against the mighty Sutton Utd fills me with dread!! We should definitely play Welbeck – totally worth the risk of further injury on the artificial pitch! Do me a favour mate! We’ve got the likes of The Jeff and Willock as well ffs! I’m not even mentioning Ozil and Sanchez!
Profligate rather than prolific. Don’t get me wrong I want a cricket score for the Arse.
I support Wenger 100% on this one. The guy played for one month in two years. Would be crazy to let him play on an artficial pitch. Even him not playing Bayern game was understandable due to the expected intensity.
Agree 100% you don’t risk welbeck on the artificial playing surface. Coaching staff got this one spot on
Other than, apparently, the game v Leicester was on a plastic pitch.
Was this just a trial for Welbz to see how he felt on it?
…….. but that may be, yet another, Daily Mail mistake. Welbz twitter comment suggests he’s not playing because of Sutton pitch and I can’t find reference to Holmes Park being 3g.
It’s not 3G or any other artificial. it’s real turf. Photos from the match have clumps of sod in the air clearly visible.
Sanchez had Time off for a court appearance in Barcelona, could still feature
The club website has several pictures of Alexis training today. Also show that BFG is really really tall.
And Jenks looking very determined, maybe give him a start?
It’s looking like Bellerin might have the weekend off, so I’m guessing it’s Jenko or Gabriel on the right. Who gets the start in the middle will be interesting, with Mert, Gabriel, Mustafi and Holding all present.
Still no sign of Nacho – anyone know anything there?
I can’t wait to see Yaya Sanogo lining up as our striker.
I did suspect Danny wouldn’t play this game due to the artificial surface.
Could this be the time for the mighty YAYA SANOGO
wont mind as long as we win ? still,its weird considering we dont have any match after that till march. ?
I did a sliding tackle on an artificial pitch once and I don’t recommend it at all.
Agreed on old style sand-based Astroturf but 3G is rubber-based and v much easier on the body.
I pulled out of a tackle on 3g last march. Completely tore one ankle ligament, partial tear of another, bruising to the bone and delamination of the cartilage on my tarsus. I think the pitch played it’s part. I always played on it in astro boots and always felt like it dragged a bit. In future if I play on it it will only be in flat soled shoes. Needless to say I can see why Welbeck won’t be risked.
I got a fracture (very deep bone bruise, really) on ‘femoral lateral condyle’. The end of the knobby thing at the knee end of the femur. Caught the studs, jarred the bones together.
I don’t recommend it.
Truly impressive. Giving a fellow Gooner thumbs down for a personal injury.
That’s pure class.
Coquelin could suffer a career ending astroturf-burn.
Now I finally realise what happened to neymar…a career threatening afro-burn
Imagine the carpet burn Sol would’ve got from this.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g7Rnt5C2qaQ
It is disappointing that he won’t feature tomorrow, but the hard artificial pitch may be hard on his knees. He has played so little football in 2 years, it would be a real shame to lose him again. This may also indicate that he has an underlying problem that they still have not been able to clear yet.
Our B team did great in the last
FA cup game,no reason to think most of that team mixed with a few first teamers and a strong bench couldn’t get a result. The 3G rubber on the plus side should help us move the ball quickly which will suit us. It’s a chance for the cup team to lift some of the doom and gloom. coyg
As long as whoever plays turns up and plays to the best of their abilities then there shouldnt be any problems. Right? Oh yeah Arsene, dont forget to take the feckin handbrake OFF.
I want to see a XI of fit and hungry players who want to achieve something and are ready to fight for their place in the starting XI for the rest of the campaign.
Makes sense regarding the artificial pitch. The right move I think, and having a fairly competitive U23 game for him to continue to build fitness is ideal.
Hopefully it is related to the playing surface though and nothing more serious, we’ve really began to struggle down our left flank this season. Iwobi is promising but with a combination of inexperience and decline from Monreal it’s clear that we aren’t as strong as we should be there. Welbeck a great option when fit.
The five on five next to my house is artificial pitch. It’s like asking welbeck to come join me in attack.
*Of course every three goals the GK rotates, no exceptions…
Then you need Jenkinson, for sure.
Not one for over confidence but we could play Ospina up front and still beat Sutton. It shouldn’t matter a jot who plays, if we fail to win tomorrow night then Arsene might be forced to resign. Watching the chavs win comfortably yesterday and the spuds in cruise control against Fulham, does anyone really think this is a possible banana skin waiting to happen?
Damn right it is. Every game is a struggle or havn’t you been watching lately?
Is that a fact, huh?
One good thing about the pitch: Xhaka will probably stay on his feet.
If Xhaka plays, he better finish the 90.
I doubt that. Xhaka will play the perfect long pass and then slide in two footed in midfield.
I’m pretty sure welbzy isn’t allowed to walk on concrete or even tiled surfaces at the mo… So definitely a good choice letting him sit this one out..
Good call. I’m just glad he hasn’t had a set-back.
The draws are in and Chelsea face Man U and Spuds go against Millwall. If we win we’ll face Lincoln City.
Not too shabby.
Lincoln await!
And theres the draw that will give sutton UNITED even more motivation tomorrow.