Arsenal: ‘Fittest And Strongest’ Danny Welbeck Can Yet Be A Force

Kieran Gibbs has proclaimed that Danny Welbeck is the ‘fittest and strongest’ that he has ever seen him, arguing that he can yet be a force for Arsenal.

Returning from a long-term injury is no easy task. It takes patience, persistence and a little bit of luck. Finding your match sharpness at the elite level, when fans are baying for blood and the manager is under intense pressure, is difficult, as many Arsenal players have found in the past.

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Aaron Ramsey has repeatedly lost confidence due to inconsistent form after injury. Jack Wilshere the same, as has been Theo Walcott and even Alexis Sanchez last season. Another player who is, unfortunately, experienced at managing his body as he returns from injury is Danny Welbeck.

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After suffering a nasty knee injury last May, the attacker returned to full training in late December and has seen his time limited significantly since then, with Arsene Wenger acutely aware of the dangers of re-injuring his knee and facing yet another lengthy absence. However, as he regains his fitness and his form, look for him to be increasingly integrated with the first team squad.

In an interview with Arsenal player, when asked about Welbeck’s attitude in training, how his body has coped with the physical demands of playing at the top level once more, Kieran Gibbs, a man who is far from alien to the difficulties of returning from injury, stated that he has never seen him as fit or as strong, suggesting that he can proceed to become a major force for the club during the remainder of the season:

"“You can tell from his story and his background that he’s a winner and he’s really had a big impact coming to the club. He’s looking the fittest and strongest I’ve ever seen him. It’s important we keep him fit and make sure he comes back at the right time and not rush it too much. Someone as powerful as him – when he’s well managed – he can be a force for us.”"

They are certainly comforting comments to hear, comments that are supported by his performances when on the pitch. Welbeck was sensational in the five-goal dismantling of Southampton in the FA Cup, has looked sharp in a late-game cameo against Chelsea and scored for the under 23s last weekend.

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Welbeck is an intelligent player with a subtle first-touch and neat link up play, the perfect all-round attacker in Wenger’s possession orientated approach. Having him back in the first team, available for selection, is a major boost for the Gunners. He can yet be a ‘force’ this season.