Arsenal manager Unai Emery has confirmed that Danny Welbeck is expected to be sidelined for the long-term after undergoing a surgery on a broken ankle. The England international sustained the damage during the recent Europa League group stage game versus Sporting which ended in a 0-0 draw.

Speaking after the Gunners’ 1-1 draw against Wolverhampton Wanderers, Emery confirmed that Welbeck has undergone a surgery on a broken ankle and he refused to give a potential timeline for the versatile forward to return, he said: “The ankle is broken, we will be without him for a long time.”
Meanwhile, Welbeck’s current contract is due to expire at the end of the season and when asked on the attacker’s future with the club, Emery deflected the question by suggesting that the club are more concerned about the injury suffered, he added: “The best thing for him now is to think about the person. He is a very good person, his commitment with us is a very big commitment. He helps us with his quality and capacity. This injury is very big for him, for us and for all people who like and love him as a person.”

“Welbeck has suffered regular injury concerns during his time with Arsenal“ and the ankle fracture sustained is the third major problem after a couple of long-term knee injuries earlier in his Gunners career. As such, the board may have some thinking to do regarding a probable extension and it remains to be seen “whether they would offer“ him a contract based on the early season form, which has witnessed him contribute five goals across all competitions.

Arsenal maintained a 16-match unbeaten run after they secured a rather fortuitous 1-1 draw against Wolves. They are now three points behind Tottenham Hotspur for the fourth position after achieving stalemates in the previous three league games.