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Danny Welbeck has been told he will be ruled out for nine months after knee surgery on Wednesday.
The Arsenal striker suffered significant cartilage damage to his right knee during Sunday’s 2-2 draw at Manchester City. The injury will not only cause Welbeck to miss Euro 2016 but also up to half of next season.
An initial diagnosis on the forward’s knee on Monday projected a spell on the sidelines of around four to six months. But following Wednesday’s operation, Welbeck’s time out could total as much as nine months, though the 25-year-old is hopeful of returning to action sooner.The Arsenal forward was clearly in a lot of pain as he held his hand to his face before attempting to play on.
On a positive note, there is understood to be no structural damage to Welbeck’s right knee, which should make for a smoother rehabilitation process.
Nevertheless, the injury comes as another devastating blow to the former Manchester United man.
Welbeck recently missed 10 months due to an injury to his left knee, only returning in February — scoring a euphoric late winner against eventual champions Leicester on his return. He has scored five goals since regaining full fitness, raising hopes that he could be ready for a run in the team in his preferred centre forward role.
Arsenal midfielder Wilshere sent his commiserations to Welbeck, writing on Twitter: ‘Devastated for my friend @DannyWelbeck but you’ve proved before you can come back a better player! Stay strong mate’.
Another fellow England international and Gunner, Theo Walcott, added: ‘So gutted for you on your injury – You will come back stronger and all of us are thinking of you’.
Arsenal centre-back Laurent Koscielny wrote: ‘Get well soon my friend @DannyWelbeck you are a strong man’.
England still have plenty of attacking options for the tournament in France, with Wayne Rooney, Harry Kane, Jamie Vardy and Daniel Sturridge in the frame to travel as part of Hodgson’s squad.
Indeed, Arsene Wenger was keen to experiment with Welbeck in a central role during pre-season, though those plans have now been shelved.
Welbeck’s injury underlines manager Arsene Wenger’s need to sign a new striker this summer.
Landing a new centre forward is one of the club’s summer transfer priorities as Wenger finally looks to land another Premier League title.
Juventus striker Alvaro Morata, Inter Milan forward Mauro Icardi and AZ Alkmaar’s Vincent Janssen feature prominently on Wenger’s list. Gunners scouts are also tracking little-known Lille forward Sehrou Guirassy, who has impressed during a loan spell at Ligue 2 club Auxerre.
Wenger is closing in on his first summer signing with the Gunners near to clinching a £35million move for Granit Xhaka.
Arsenal want the deal completed before Euro 2016 and all parties are confident the move will be completed.
Sportsmail understands Xhaka has told pals he expects to be at the Emirates next season.
Wenger wants to conclude the deal as soon as possible to prevent rival clubs from hijacking his move for Xhaka, particularly if he impresses for Switzerland during the European Championship.