Arsenal FC news: Boss Arsene Wenger sets a January return date for Danny Welbeck

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has revealed Danny Welbeck is ahead of schedule in his recovery from injury and could return in January.

The striker has been out since May after suffering knee cartilage damage and it was originally thought he may not be back until April next year.

However, Wenger has now confirmed the 25-year-old is recovering well and could be back shortly after Christmas.

"He is ahead of schedule and he could be back in January," said Wenger.

"Of course [I am very happy at that]. Let’s not forget he was already out for a year before that and we might have to be patient to get him back.

Welbeck made an immediate goalscoring return from a ten-month injury lay-off last season in a 2-1 win at home to Leicester City.

But Wenger has stressed the importance of improving the striker’s fitness levels before a potential comeback.

"To get to a really competitive level it takes two months of competition to get back to his best," said the Frenchman.