Welbeck reveals how Arsenal team mate helped him out of a “dark place”

Arsenal forward Danny Welbeck has expressed his gratitude for Gunners captain Per Mertesacker’s support during his last injury lay off.

Both the German and the England international suffered long term knee injuries and had a long road back to fitness which took in months of rehabilitation together. Speaking on Arsenal’s Youtube channel Welbeck explained how Mertesacker managed to keep up his spirits up during a dark period of his career:

“Obviously we both had long-term knee injuries. It’s difficult to put this guy into words. He just lifts the whole atmosphere up in the dressing room. And I think he helped me a lot.

“He’s always there talking to you, giving you advice, asking you how you’re feeling. I think once you’re injured it can be quite a dark place, but Per was one of the reasons that kept me smiling.”

Welbeck was omitted from the squad that played Sutton United in the FA Cup on Monday night. The plastic pitch could have caused issues with the 26 year old’s knees, the striker confirmed on Twitter and he instead played 70 minutes for Arsenal’s Under 23s in the 2-1 defeat to Leicester City on Sunday.

He is still working his way to full match sharpness after an injury layoff which lasted nine months. Since returning to first team action in early January for the 4-0 win against Swansea, he has made one start and five substitute appearances.