“I Did Not Lie About Welbeck’s Injury” – Arsene Wenger

Arsenal gaffer Arsene Wenger has debunked reports that he did not reveal the truth about the severity of Danny Welbeck’s injury.

The Gunners boss addressed the press August 27 and said that the former Manchester United striker was “progressing well”, but Welbeck has now been ruled out till December.

“I am surprised that people accused me of lying. I did not know Welbeck had had a bad setback.

“I gave you the information I had. I did not lie to you ,” the six-time FA Cup winning manager said.

Wenger did, however, eventually open up on the extent of Welbeck’s injury and said he had that confirmed after further investigations.

“I heard late on Friday night [27 August] that his condition had not evolved as well as we thought,” he added.

“He had needed specialist and needed further investigation, ”

This development leaves Olivier Giroud as the only striker left for selection, although Wenger could utilize Theo Walcott and Alexis Sanchez in a central role, as both forwards have been used as wide players since commencement of the season.

When asked why he decided not to sign a stand-in striker even after knowing of Welbeck’s injury before the transfer window slammed shut, the Gunners boss said:

“The solutions we had were not convincing at all. I have made more than 300 transfers and every time it’s a decision to make.

“You either find someone who strengthens your squad or not. Whether we have players injured or not doesn’t change the problem, you also have to be brave enough to say no.”