'Welbeck injury means we may have to make January signings'

Welbeck is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines after undergoing two operations to correct a broken ankle sustained in the Europa League clash with Sporting Lisbon earlier this month.

The England international had been predominantly used as a rotation option by manager Unai Emery, but with his contract set to expire next summer his time at the Emirates Stadium may have come to an early end.

Emery himself has suggested that youngster Eddie Nketiah would be given the chance to fill the void left by Welbeck's unavailability and whilst Sanllehi backed the academy starlet, he also suggested that a re-think of Arsenal transfer plans may also be in the offing.

"That is absolutely something unplanned," he said of Welbeck's woe.

"Yes, that makes you consider things. I am not saying that's a green light to go to the market but we have good players in the house also that may get further opportunities, like Eddie Nketiah for example.

"We need to see. We are in November, so it's a good time to start analysing what options we have in the market. We are not closing the door but it's still not the preferred one.

"The plans were made in the summer. We are happy with how things are going. We are always going to strive to be the best team we can be.

"If there is a very good opportunity, we are definitely going to consider [it], we will see. Danny Welbeck's injury alters, in a way, the views."

Welbeck is no stranger to time on the sidelines having also suffered two major knee injuries during his time in the capital, but despite potentially having played his final game for the club, Sanllehi says Arsenal will fully support the 27-year-old in his recovery.

"Danny knows that he will get all the support that he needs from Arsenal to make the perfect rehabilitation of his injury," he insisted.

"We are very sad for Danny and he knows he has all the support from the club."

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