Friday 6 January 2017 09:06, UK
Arsene Wenger says Danny Welbeck is in line for a return to action with Arsenal, on the day the striker was joined by Sir Mo Farah at training.
Welbeck, who has been out since May with a knee injury, was joined at London Colney by the 33-year-old Great Britain Olympic legend on Thursday.
Arsenal fan Farah joined Welbeck for a short kickabout as the former Manchester United man prepares to return to first-team action for the Gunners following eight months of frustration.
Arsenal face Preston at Deepdale in the FA Cup third round on Saturday, and Wenger says that while Welbeck won't start the game, he could feature from the bench.
"I haven't decided yet, but he could be [in line to play at Preston] - it depends on Lucas a little bit, it also depends on how he feels," said Wenger.
Physically his fitness is at quite a good level, but of course the ideal way is to give him two or three games with the under-23s. But the situation is not always ideal, sometimes you have to hurry up."
Asked if it is more likely we will see Welbeck on the bench, Wenger added: "Yes, of course. He will not start the game.
"He wants to play. But Danny is as well conscious [of taking his time]. He came back after a long injury and had a setback so he suffered a lot.
"At the moment, I think he listens well to what people advise him to do, even if he is naturally impatient. After you've been out for such a long time you do not want a setback."
