Danny Welbeck could feature for Arsenal Under 21s on Friday as England striker looks to return after nine months out

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Danny Welbeck could make his first appearance in an Arsenal shirt for nine months on Friday as he steps up his rehabilitation from a knee injury.

The England striker, 25, may feature in Arsenal’s Under-21 Premier League match with Brighton and Hove Albion at the club’s London Colney training ground.

It would be his first match for Arsenal since the 0-0 draw with Chelsea back on April 26 last year.

Danny Welbeck could make his Arsenal return in the Under 21s fixture with Brighton on Friday

The striker returned to training last week after nine months out with a knee injury

Welbeck last played for the Gunners in April last year and will be keen to play ahead of Euro 2016

Welbeck sustained the injury after coming on as a late substitute in that match, underwent surgery on his knee in September and only returned to full training last month.

Despite Arsenal failing to find the net in their last three Barclays Premier League matches, seeing them lose crucial ground in the title race, Arsene Wenger will not rush Welbeck back.

The manager spoke last week about Welbeck having to make ‘small steps’ in his recovery and added in his programme notes this would involve getting valuable minutes with the Under-21 side.

But Arsene Wenger said he would not rush the England forward despite the crucial stage of the season

Welbeck scored eight goals in 34 appearances in his debut season for Arsenal in 2014-15

Arsenal are fourth in the Premier League after Tuesday night's draw against Southampton

‘Danny Welbeck is stepping up his rehabilitation,' Wenger wrote ahead of his side's draw with Southampton at the Emirates Stadium.

'We have to remember that he has not played since April 2015 and will need a game with the Under-21s, where we can monitor him and leave him free to play at his level of commitment. That looks to be very soon, maybe this week.’

Welbeck made 34 appearances in his debut season for Arsenal in 2014-15, having signed from Manchester United for £16m, and scored eight goals.

Arsenal are winless in their last four league matches and find themselves five points behind leaders Leicester City in fourth place.

Welbeck arrives at training with Olivier Giroud (right), Francis Coquelin (left) and Mathieu Debuchy