Danny Welbeck to miss FA cup final

The Arsenal forward is a doubt for his side's encounter with Aston Villa due to a knee injury and his manager suggests that it could keep him from the internationals as well

Arsenal forward Danny Welbeck's knee injury could rule him out of the FA Cup final and England's upcoming fixtures, according to manager Arsene Wenger.


The attacker has not featured since the goalless draw with Chelsea in late April and will play no part in the Gunners' final Premier League game of the season against West Brom on Sunday.

Wenger is unsure whether or not Welbeck will be fit for the FA Cup final on May 30 against Aston Villa or England's matches against Republic of Ireland on June 7 and Slovenia a week later.

"If he is not available for the FA Cup final then I can't see him being available for England," the Frenchman told reporters.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (groin) and Mathieu Debuchy (hamstring) are back in full training after injuries but will not be risked against Tony Pulis's side as they are not match fit.

Wenger, whose side were held to a goalless draw with Sunderland in midweek, vowed to make changes to his side for the clash against the Baggies with one eye on the Wembley showdown.

He said: "We have to focus on our next challenge. We have enough experience in our dressing room to focus on the next game

"I will certainly rest one or two players on Sunday but the most important thing is to win."

Arsenal only need a point at the Emirates Stadium to be guaranteed third place and automatic qualification for the Champions League group stage.