Unai Emery says he does not expect to Danny Welbeck around the Arsenal setup “for a long time” following an operation on his broken ankle.
The Arsenal forward was taken to hospital after suffering the injury in Thursday’s 0-0 Europa League draw with Sporting and is set to face a lengthy period on the sidelines.
“His injury is a big injury,” Emery said. “We spoke with him yesterday and today. We support him with our personal relationship between the player and the staff. I think he will not come to us for a long time.
“He had the operation on Friday.”
Asked if Welbeck might play again this season Emery added: “I think it’s better if the doctors say to you.
“It’s a big injury but the outcome… the doctor can answer that better than me.”
Welbeck, whose Arsenal contract expires at the end of the season, has endured the cruellest luck with injuries since joining the club in September. He has undergone major operations on both knees and missed 70 games between May 2015 and January 2017.
