Arsenal’s hopes of having Danny Welbeck back in the side in January have been scuppered as reports this morning suggest the striker has had a setback in his rehabilitation from a knee injury.

The England international suffered the injury towards the end of last season, and it while it was hoped he wouldn’t have to undergo surgery, an operation was carried out to repair bruising to his knee ligaments.

Now it appears that the expected return date next month has been pushed back until February at least, which will be a worry to Arsene Wenger.

Speaking earlier this month, Welbeck spoke about getting back to first team action, saying, “It is hard but you have to see the positive side and I have learnt a lot more being injured on how to look after your body and prevent injuries.

“I have to see the positive side and hopefully when I come back, I will be flying.”

With a midfielder most certainly on the shopping list come January, his absence might also have Arsene Wenger thinking about a recruit in the forward areas, where an injection of quality would cdertainly be a useful addition in the second half of the season.

Jose Antonio Reyes signed in January 2004, so a ‘Mark II’ would be nice. But we’ll probably just get Jose Antonio Reyes.

Olé!