Unai Emery updates on Danny Welbeck's injury

Arsenal manager Unai Emery has confirmed that Danny Welbeck could be sidelined for a lengthy period after he underwent a surgery for a broken ankle.

The England international sustained the damage after landing awkwardly in the Europa League game against Sporting last week and Emery has now hinted that the striker could be out for the remainder of the campaign.

"I think he will not come to us for a long time. He had the operation on Friday. I think it's better if the doctors say to you [when he might return]," he is quoted as saying by The Mirror.

Welbeck has impressed under the tutelage of Unai Emery during the ongoing season and he had contributed five goals across all competitions before sustaining an injury.

With the setback, there are already suggestions that the Gunners could pursue a replacement in the New Year with Roma's Patrik Schick and Lille's Nicolas Pepe on their radar.

Meanwhile, Welbeck's future at Arsenal also remains under question after the latest long-term injury. He has just eight months remaining on his current contract.