WELBECK’S FRESH AND RARING TO GO

ARSENE WENGER says Danny Welbeck’s return to form can carry him all the way to the World Cup. Welbeck has proved crucial to Arsenal’s Europa League campaign after scoring against AC Milan and CSKA Moscow in the run to the semi-finals. The Arsenal striker also hit a brace against Southampton last Sunday and will go to Newcastle today full of renewed confidence and form.

Welbeck’s goal rush comes after getting an England recall last month before Gareth Southgate names his squad for the World Cup this summer.

Gunners boss Wenger believes Welbeck is showing that he can be a valuable member of that squad. Southgate has Tottenham’s Harry Kane in red-hot form and Jamie Vardy looks certain to go, but there is a shortage of other striker options and Wenger feels Welbeck’s versatility will make him a must.

Wenger said: “Maybe he took confidence from the England recall. That reminded him that he is not completely forgotten. But there is room for him. If you are national coach, what for me is interesting is that he can play wide — on the right, on the left — and central. He can play with anybody.”

Welbeck missed Euro 2016 because of a knee injury and even this season Arsenal have had to manage his fitness carefully and ease him back into playing regularly. But Wenger believes Welbeck may be fresher and, while other players could go to the World Cup on the back of a gruelling season, the Arsenal forward will be desperate and ready to play.

Wenger said: “Danny shows that he is fresher at the moment.”

Wenger’s players did not get home from Moscow until 5am on Friday, did a light warm down session and then trained yesterday before flying up to Newcastle.

Jack Wilshere and Aaron Ramsey are likely to miss out after picking up injuries in Moscow.