England striker Danny Welbeck has resumed training at Arsenal and is still targetting a comeback from knee surgery before the end of the year.

Welbeck was ruled out for around nine months back in May but is actually ahead of schedule in his rehabilitation and Arsene Wenger is ready to let him rejoin full training this month.

He would then wait at least two weeks before considering him in the first-team again, meaning that he could be an option during the festive period.

Given the severity of the injury – Welbeck suffered what was described as “significant cartilage damage” against Manchester City – the likelihood is that he will be introduced back gradually in the New Year but his return will come as a significant boost.

Lucas Perez again struggled in Wednesday’s 2-0 defeat against Southampton, while Olivier Giroud is a major doubt for Saturday’s match against West Ham United with a groin injury.