Arsenal blow as striker emerges as fitness doubt for Manchester United clash

By Arsenal correspondent Tony Hughes

Arsene Wenger hinted that Danny Welbeck could be a doubt for Arsenal's Premier League clash against Manchester United.

The striker was expected to be in the squad that faces his former club at Old Trafford on Sunday.

He has played in the last three matches for Arsenal since his return from a knee injury that sidelined him for 10 months, scoring a dramatic winner against Leicester in the Gunners' last Premier League match.

But Wenger hinted that Welbeck might be rested at the weekend as he gave a team news update at his weekly media briefing.

"Gabriel has a test today and tomorrow and then we will see if he is available for the game," Wenger said. "We still need to be cautious with Welbeck too. He is not completely over his knee problem. He has done really well and is very fit.”

In other Arsenal injury news, Wenger has revealed that Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will see a knee specialist about the injury he sustained in Tuesday's Champions League defeat to Barcelona and admitted the midfielder could face a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

We lost Chamberlain on Tuesday. His injury is quite serious and keeps him out for a few weeks. He’s seeing a knee specialist.”

Asked when the 22-year-old will be back, Wenger said it could be “two or three weeks” or perhaps even “six or seven”.