Danny Welbeck was heavily linked with a move away from Arsenal this summer (Picture: Getty)

Unai Emery has hinted Danny Welbeck could be set to deputise as an emergency left-back against Manchester City on Sunday.

Arsenal are without Sead Kolasinac, who suffered a knee ligament injury against Chelsea in pre-season, while Nacho Monreal only returned to full training earlier this week.

Summer signing Stephan Lichtsteiner and youngster Ainsley Maitland Niles, who filled in at left-back last season, are likely to be given the task of taming City’s wingers Riyad Mahrez and Leroy Sane, but Emery revealed Welbeck has emerged as an unlikely contender.

‘Danny has multi-position possibilities – right winger, left winger, striker,’ said Emery. ‘And, yesterday, he worked with us at left back. His performance was good!


Nacho Monreal only returned to full training earlier this week (Picture: Getty)

‘I like this positive spirit to help. I’ve said to him I want the best performance in his career, with better quality and data – more goals, more assists.’



Welbeck, who has just under a year remaining on his current contract, was heavily linked with a transfer away from Arsenal this summer but a move has yet to materialise.

Southampton and Everton were the Premier League clubs credited with an interest, while Besiktas were also linked with the England international who could still leave for a European side before the August 31st deadline.