Danny Welbeck's injury comeback now delayed even more

The last time we saw Danny Welbeck, he was busy with his teammates trying to delay Chelsea's eventual title celebrations as a substitute in last April's 0-0 draw at the Emirates. He picked up a knee injury during the few minutes he was on the pitch, and attempted to rehab the knee without surgery over the course of the summer. Unfortunately, the knee didn't respond to treatments, and the decision for him to go under the knife was made in September.

Initially, and throughout the course of his injury rehabilitation, it's been widely said by many around him that he would be ready by this coming January. However, according to multiple sources, it appears his return to action will be delayed even further, with estimates of his arrival back in the squad now reaching into February.

Arsenal have been lucky in maintaining health to Olivier Giroud during the time Theo Walcott was out, but they can ill-afford to lose either Giroud and his production, or Walcott again, while Welbeck's sidelined. If these latest estimates end up true, the club gets back Welbeck in time for their Champions League encounters with Barcelona. How they navigate their challenge for the league title through these next couple months with only Giroud and Walcott as viable options, though, will be closely examined.

Depending on the health of the rest of the squad between now and then, this might be an area Arsene Wenger decides to shore up come next month.