Arsene Wenger hopeful of Danny to return

Arsene Wenger has revealed that he is still hopeful that striker Danny Welbeck will return from the sidelines just in time for the North London derby against Tottenham.

This is one of several crucial fixtures for the gunners in the next few weeks.

A victory from this match could put them as favourites for the top three whereas a defeat will see their arch rivals close the gap. Welbeck has been absent from the first team since the 2-1 victory against West Ham when he scored a crucial goal. The former Manchester United striker has not been prolific even after moving to Arsenal, but he has been a regular nonetheless.

The 24-year-old has managed just seven goals in 23 appearances for the gunners and the lack of goals has prompted Wenger to use Olivier Giroud as the central striker once again. The Frenchman has responded with important goals against the likes of Manchester City and Aston Villa, but the absence of Welbeck continues to be a major role especially on the wings. Arsenal have London derbies against Crystal Palace and QPR while also having a tough home match against Everton in the next five matches. Wenger also says that he is not sure about the availability of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Bellerin.

"Danny is still out. I think he will need two more games to be back again. He is not in full training yet.We have some uncertainties about Oxlade-Chamberlain and Bellerin but they will have tests today and Bellerin should be available. Oxlade-Chamblerlain, I'm not sure.Oxlade-Chamberlain has an inflammation of his groin problems and Bellerin's is an ankle problem. Gnabry is back in full training but he needs games in the under-21s because he's been out for a very long time,” said Wenger ahead of the match against Tottenham, who have been impressive at home in the last few months.