Danny Welbeck: 'I'm still not 100% fit'

By Barney Corkhill, Editor | 06 March 2016

Arsenal striker Danny Welbeck admits that he found the intensity of the North London derby "difficult" as he continues to work his way back up to full fitness.

Arsenal striker Danny Welbeck has revealed that he is still working his way up to 100% fitness following his recent return from a long-term injury.

The 26-year-old marked his first Premier League appearance in almost a year with a late winner to beat Premier League leaders Leicester City last month, and he has featured in all five of the Gunners' matches since.

His longest stint came on Saturday as he played 85 minutes of the North London derby draw with Tottenham Hotspur, although Welbeck admits that he found things "difficult" at White Hart Lane.

"Yes, it is difficult being out for so long and coming straight back into the team," he told reporters.

"With the intensity at Spurs I found it quite difficult but I try and give my best every single game and see how it goes.

"It is going to take a while I think. I don't feel as sharp as I did before my operation and I don't know how long it will take but I'm getting fitter and stronger each week."

Arsenal, who are winless in their last five games in all competitions, now sit eight points adrift of Leicester in the Premier League title race.