Arsene Wenger sends message to Arsenal fans about Danny Welbeck ahead of Burnley trip

Arsenal star Danny Welbeck Photo: Puma

Arsene Wenger has insisted that Danny Welbeck’s half-time substitution during Arsenal’s 1-0 Europa League defeat by Cologne on Thursday night was planned.

The striker started the game as he made his return to action from a recent injury but came off at the break in Germany.

The move prompted fears that Welbeck could have suffered another injury setback, with the striker having struggled to stay fit for long spells since his move to Arsenal from Manchester United.

However, Wenger has moved to play down those suggestions by insisting that he was simply giving Welbeck time to get himself back to full fitness.

Speaking at his post-match news conference in Germany on Thursday night, Wenger said: “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.”

Wenger is now preparing his Arsenal side for their Premier League clash against Burnley at Turf Moor on Sunday afternoon.

The Gunners are gearing up for the game, fresh from having sealed an impressive 2-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League at The Emirates last weekend.

Arsenal have not won the Premier League title since 2004, and the Gunners are currently 12 points behind leaders Manchester City after 12 games of the new campaign.

Wenger’s men did, however, win the FA Cup for the third time in four years last season.

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