Danny Welbeck is hoping to be back in action in "January or February"

Arsenal striker Danny Welbeck says he is looking to return from injury in the new year, but insists he will not be rushing.

The former Manchester United man underwent knee surgery in September, and with Euro 2016 fast approaching, Welbeck's rehabilitation has so far been successful.

Despite admitting the time out has been frustrating, the 25-year-old is in a positive mood as he looks for a February return at the latest.

Welbeck has been out all season with a serious knee injury

He told Sky Sports News HQ: "It's going pretty well. I think with the way it's going now I'm more positive with things and can't wait to get back on the pitch.

"It's a pretty serious injury and it's difficult to go through those tough periods but it's part and parcel of football.

"I think it has been frustrating, before I had the surgery I was trying to get back fit, but I'm starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel now.

Arsenal are just a point ahead of Man City going into the Monday Night Football clash

"I've said the new year, January or February, but there's no exact date yet, I've just got to make sure I'm 100 per cent when I come back. Obviously I don't want to come back too soon, and make the injury worse.

"I can't look too far ahead, I think the most important thing to me is to get back and show what I can do for Arsenal."

Arsenal face Manchester City on Monday Night Football, with just a point separating the two near the top of the Premier League table.

Arsene Wenger says that Alexis Sanchez has a slight chance of being in the squad for Monday's clash with Man City Arsene Wenger says that Alexis Sanchez has a slight chance of being in the squad for Monday's clash with Man City

Welbeck is looking forward to the game, and says the imminent return of Arsenal's other injured players will give the club a timely boost over the next month.

"It's a big game," he added. "It's going to be interesting and I can't wait to watch it. I hope we get the right result.

"Obviously there's quite a few boys out with injuries, but I think as we get a full squad it's going to give us a good push to the end of the season."

Watch Arsenal v Manchester City live on Monday Night Football, 7pm, Sky Sports 1 HD, or watch without a contract on NOW TV.