Arsenal: Danny Welbeck plan reveals long-term intention

Danny Welbeck came off at half-time during Arsenal’s loss to FC Koln. Thankfully, Arsene Wenger stated that it was the pre-match plan, revealing the long-term intentions that he has for the injury-prone attacker.

When Arsenal returned for the second half of Thursday night’s loss to FC Koln without Danny Welbeck, a growing fear rumbled through the away fans. Injury prone player. Just returned from a two-month absence. Subbed off at half-time. The signs did not look good.

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And those fears would grumble on for the remainder of the match. Questions about his fitness; doubts regarding a new injury on his return. They were not answered until after the match would finish.

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Thankfully, however, they were answered in a positive manner. And emphatically so. Speaking after the loss, which, thanks to a draw between Red Star Belgrade and BATE Borisov saw Arsenal qualify for the knockout stages of the Europa League as group winners, Arsene Wenger, in his pre-match press conference, stated that it had already been agreed, before the game, that Welbeck would be rescinded at half-time, with full knowledge that he is a player that struggles with fitness issues and is returning from another injury:

"“It was planned before the game that he would only play 45 minutes. He has only just come back from injury, and we have three more games on Sunday, Wednesday and Saturday again. Medically, the risk was a bit too high to play him for longer because he has been out for a while. He has no problem. Of course, he was ready to stay on and frustrated to come off, but he’s in good shape.”"

Such a plan installed by Wenger and the coaching staff reveals their season-long intentions for the versatile and athletic attacker.

Welbeck, while not an entrenched starter with the presence of Mesut Ozil, Alexis Sanchez and Alexandre Lacazette ahead of him, is still an extremely valuable squad player. He, although wastefully, will score goals, he provides a direct and pacy threat, he can play in a number of positions, and he has the game-intelligence and understanding that Wenger demands from his attacking player to contribute to the Gunners’ passing moves.

The season is long and tenuous. There will be more injuries. There will be suspensions. There will be players who need rest and others who need rotation. That is why squads are a necessity in the modern game, especially if the club, as Arsenal are, is fighting on a number of fronts.

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Welbeck will be required at some point this season. That is why Wenger is taking great precautions with his body as he works his way back into the team. There is a long way to go. This time, slowly, slowly might just win the race.