Arsene Wenger has insisted that the Arsenal medical staff should not be blamed for the knee injury which has ruled Danny Welbeck out until 2017.
Having shown impressive form since returning from a nine-month injury lay-off in February, bad luck struck again as Welbeck went down from an innocuous challenge during the Gunners’s 2-2 draw at Manchester City.
Arsenal confirmed on Wednesday that the 25-year-old had undergone surgery and would be out for another nine months, having suffered “significant cartilage damage”.
The Gunners’ unfortunate injury record has led some to question the club’s medical staff, but Wenger was quick to reject the notion that anyone was to blame for Welbeck’s latest knock.
He told Arsenal Player: “Sometimes people accused me of being too cautious but I knew that he did not play for a year and the intensity of the Premier League is so exceptional that you have to be cautious.
“The injury was accidental. I don’t think there’s anyone to blame, not our opponents or medical staff.
“It was completely an accident.”
The injury was a blow for Roy Hodgson as well as Wenger – Welbeck will miss the European Championships in France this summer, where he had been expected to hold down a place in England’s starting XI.
Welbeck’s rare blend of attacking threat and discipline was seen by many as priceless, particularly on the international stage where England have often been outrun by their opponents.
While the former Manchester United man’s injury has severely damaged the club’s plans ahead of next season, it’s not all gloom and doom at the Emirates, with Jack Wilshere having returned to action and nearing full fitness.
Furthermore, hopes of chasing down north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur for second place in the Premier League remain alive.
Arsenal must beat Aston Villa on Sunday and hope that relegated Newcastle United can do them a favour by beating Mauricio Pochettino’s Spurs side, who are without suspended duo Mousa Dembele and Dele Alli.
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