Wednesday 18 January 2017 10:00, UK
Back from long-term injury, Danny Welbeck is set for his latest Emirates Stadium return and will be hoping it will go as well as his previous comeback in front of the Arsenal fans…
Welbeck scored a dramatic winner against Leicester City in February of last year after spending more than nine months on the sidelines following a knee injury.
That was seen at the time as swinging the Premier League title race back in Arsenal’s favour. Could he make a similarly dramatic impact against Burnley on Sunday? He has history…
First Champions League appearance at the Emirates…
Welbeck made a spectacular Champions League bow at the Emirates, scoring a hat-trick in Arsenal’s 4-1 win over Galatasaray. It was the first hat-trick of his professional career, quickly winning over the Arsenal supporters with his pace and power.
Arsene Wenger: “I knew he was quick but he's electric. His attitude is very positive - he's a team player, not just a finisher. Hopefully that hat-trick will help him gain confidence.”
First Premier League goal for Arsenal at the Emirates…
Welbeck’s first Premier League goal for Arsenal in front of the home supporters was no less dramatic. He guided the ball into the net in stoppage time to salvage a point in a 2-2 draw with Hull City – extending Arsenal’s 21-game unbeaten home record in the Premier League.
Danny Welbeck: “It was bittersweet. I was pleased to get the goal but disappointed not to get the three points.”
First game at the Emirates following previous injury…
Welbeck had to wait until February to see any action last season, having suffered a knee injury the previous spring. His return was remarkable, heading home the winner in stoppage time against Leicester to close the gap on the leaders to two points.
Arsene Wenger: “I decided yesterday to include him in the squad. It was a great decision because Danny Welbeck is a great player. Everybody is extremely happy for him because he has been out for 10 months. That is an eternity for a player.
Last game at the Emirates prior to this latest injury…
Welbeck scored the only goal of the game against Norwich just 187 seconds after coming off the bench. It was a fourth in 10 games following his return. The win lifted some of the gloom around the ground with Arsenal fans frustrated by the team’s faltering title challenge.
Danny Welbeck: “I just want to play every single game. After being out for so long, you have got to get back to match fitness. I just want to keep playing games and build up my fitness.”
Next game at the Emirates following latest comeback…
Despite Welbeck’s optimism, he picked up another serious knee injury in the very next game against Manchester City and was out for eight months prior to his return against Preston earlier this month. Sunday's visit of Burnley will be his first home game since returning to fitness.
Arsene Wenger: “The setback he had was absolutely atrocious. I think he suffered a lot but I hope - touch wood - he now will have a clean career.”
