Wenger: Welbeck struggled a lot

Arsene Wenger has revealed Danny Welbeck 'suffered a lot' during his lengthy injury lay-off but he is confident it will stand to the striker.

Welbeck suffered knee cartilage damage during Arsenal’s Premier League draw at Manchester City on May 8, just three months after he had returned from another long-term knee injury, and only made his return to the first team when he was introduced in the 83rd minute of Saturday's FA Cup third round win at Preston.

His brief cameo on Saturday was just Welbeck's 50th appearance for Arsenal since joining from Manchester United in 2014 and Wenger admits the striker found it tough during his time on the sidelines.

"I think he went through certainly desperation because the setback he had was absolutely atrocious," Wenger explained.

"The patience you need when you're that age - and to miss the European Championship on top of that, after missing the start of the season - it was terrible.

"But he worked hard and certainly it will make him stronger, what happened to him.

"He had to go through it and that was a very difficult moment for him. I think he suffered a lot but I hope - touch wood - that he now will have a clean career."

Welbeck came close to scoring on his return only to be denied by Preston goalkeeper Chris Maxwell, but Wenger was delighted with what he saw from the England international.

"He has been out for such a long time, that just for him to get 15 minutes was great. I think I had a hesitation but in the end he nearly scored, so that's good," he stated.

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