Danny Welbeck expects to return to Arsenal team in the New Year

Arsenal striker Danny Welbeck has revealed that he expects to be fit enough to return to the first team in the New Year.

The 24-year-old, who moved to the Emirates from Manchester United for a £16m fee last year, has not featured at all this season following knee surgery.

Welbeck faces a tough challenge to get back into Arsene Wenger's team due to the impressive form of England teammate Theo Walcott.

"It's difficult to put an exact date on [a return] - around the New Year," The National quotes Welbeck as saying. "After I had the operation I was in a leg brace for about four weeks, which wasn't easy. I had to do a lot of machine work, about six hours a day.

"It's good to finally be out of the brace now and walking. It feels like I'm getting that little bit closer to getting back out on the pitch."

Welbeck has scored eight goals in all competitions since his move to Arsenal.