Wenger just found out that Welbeck’s return will be postponed for as long as one month. According to Squawka, his recovery is not going well which will force the England international to return around March rather than February. It is not the biggest of setbacks as Arsenal’s attack is doing fine up until now but it is something to think about in terms of player recovery. The biggest question is if Alexis Sanchez should be pushed into an early recovery or not. The game against City is very important indeed but is it more important than all the other games of the season. At 100% Sanchez could do a lot of damage so why force him to play on Monday?
It is very likely that Wenger thinks the same way. Even though rumors said he will be back to face the Citizens, it appears that the hamstring strain is just partially recovered. This weekend he only performed physical tasks and did not get to play. It would be very dangerous to use him sooner than probably January when his recovery will be complete. It is the same with Arteta who according to recent news he is at 25% after the calf injury he picked up. Right now Wenger is missing 5 midfielders including Rosicky, three of which should be team regulars. Fortunately, Gunners still have Ozil, Ramsey and Flamini who have been filling in. Oxlade-Chamberlain recently declared that he is ready to play any position he is given so that`s less pressure on the others.
Even if it was not on the table, transferring a striker should be brought up in the next board meeting. It’s not something that needs to happen in January but it is something that needs to happen. Welbeck was known for his fragile physique while at Manchester United but no one expected him to drop off the radar for so long, so soon. After spending almost one year on the bench it is difficult to come back strong. This is his 4th injury since joining Arsenal where he spent 220 days of his contract in recovery.