Fabian Hurzeler has shared an injury update on Danny Welbeck ahead of Brighton’s huge clash against Premier League leaders Arsenal.
For the third time in four years, the Gunners are top of the table at Christmas but lead title rivals Manchester City and Aston Villa by just two and three points respectively.
The Seagulls are currently ninth and travel to the Emirates on Saturday, December 27, knowing that victory will significantly boost their chances of qualifying for Europe.
Welbeck has played a huge part in Brighton’s success this season, scoring seven goals in 16 appearances so far, though he missed the last match through a niggling back issue.
The 35-year-old’s presence was sorely missed as Brighton laboured to a goalless draw with Sunderland but Hurzeler has now confirmed that the centre-forward is back in full training and in contention to play.
‘Danny Welbeck will train today so he will be back,’ the German manager said in his pre-match press conference as he gave an update on his whole squad.
‘JP [Jan Paul van Hecke] will train tomorrow so he should be back. Luckily, the suspended players [Lewis Dunk and Diego Gomez] are back.
‘Mats Wieffer is okay so we have to wait day-to-day and follow the procedure. He looks quite positive, quite well, so will possibly be available.’
Brighton have a number of other injury problems with Stefanos Tzimas andAfam Webster out for the long term. Solly March is still sidelined with a knee issue, Carlos Baleba is at the Africa Cup of Nations.
While he has blanked in his last four games, Welbeck will be looking forward to returning to north London as he boasts a decent record against his former club – four goals and an assist in 12 games.
Arsenal have the best defensive record in the league but go into Saturday’s clash with less time to prepare due to having to play their Carabao Cup quarter-final against Crystal Palace on Tuesday night.
Brighton have favourable fixtures coming up against struggling West Ham and Burnley before tough games against Man City and Man Utd, another of Welbeck’s former clubs, in the FA Cup third-round.
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