Danny Welbeck will not return to his former club for a second time when Arsenal visit Manchester United on Sunday, manager Arsene Wenger has confirmed.
The England international has been sidelined from the Gunners’ squad for two weeks with a knee injury.
Arsenal lock horns with United in a race for automatic Champions League qualification, with the north London side looking to extend their two-point lead over Louis van Gaal’s side, having played a game less than their host.
Wenger, speaking in his pre-game media conference on Friday; was not short of good news either, as Aaron Ramsey is expected to play against United following his return to training in Friday.
Alex-Oxlade Chamberlain, Mathieu Debuchy and Mikel Arteta all remain sidelined.
“We have a similar squad available to has been available recently,” the French boss said.
“Welbeck is short of fraction but is not far away from returning. we would have loved to have him available but we will have to do without him.”
Arsenal are looking to bounce back from their 1-0 home defeat by Swansea at Man United.
Welbeck, 24, scored the match-winning goal in Arsenal’s 2-1 victory at Old Trafford in the FA Cup in March. He has score 4 times in 24 league games for Arsenal.