Arsenal striker Danny Welbeck will be out for around nine months after undergoing knee surgery, the club announced yesterday, ending his hopes of playing for England at Euro 2016.
The 25-year-old forward damaged cartilage in his right knee during a challenge with Bacary Sagna in Arsenal’s 2-2 draw at Manchester City on Sunday. He had previously spent 10 months on the sidelines after injuring his left knee, making his return to action in February.
“Danny Welbeck has had surgery to his right knee,” Arsenal said in a statement on their website. “Specialists determined surgery was required after scans and tests revealed significant cartilage damage. Danny will miss the Euro 2016 Championship in the summer and his full recovery is expected to take approximately nine months.
“Everyone at Arsenal will be working hard with Danny throughout his recovery and look forward to seeing him back on the pitch as soon as possible.”
Following the announcement, Welbeck posted a picture of him celebrating a recent goal on Twitter, accompanied by the caption: “I will be back stronger!”
An absence of nine months would see him return sometime in February 2017. Welbeck had made an impressive return to action following his previous knee injury, scoring five goals in 15 appearances.
His injury is a major blow to England manager Roy Hodgson, who had been expected to name the former Manchester United player in his squad for Euro 2016.
Welbeck can play as a central striker or a wide forward—versatility that Hodgson appreciates—and started England’s qualifying campaign by scoring twice in a pivotal 2-0 win away to Switzerland.
British press reports suggest that his place in Hodgson’s squad, which will be announced on Monday, will be taken by either Arsenal forward Theo Walcott or in-form Newcastle United winger Andros Townsend.

Mahrez voted Leicester’s
player of the season
Riyad Mahrez was voted Leicester City’s player of the season by the club’s supporters on Tuesday, while French midfielder N’Golo Kante was voted best player by his team-mates. Mahrez racked up 17 league goals and 11 assists to help the Foxes win their first-ever Premier League title. He picked the 3-2 come-from-behind win over Aston Villa in September and February’s 3-1 away victory over Manchester City as his favourite games of the season. “It feels good,” the 25-year-old Algerian forward told the club’s website (www.lcfc.com).
“It’s good to be voted for from the fans. I’m very happy. We just know we’ve done something crazy—something unbelievable.”
Mahrez, who joined Leicester from French second division side Le Havre in 2014, paid tribute to the club’s supporters after being handed his award. “The stadium is very amazing,” he added. “The fans are close to us and I feel very good here to play. I just want to say thank you to all the fans—I hope they support us every year.”
Leicester’s top scorer Jamie Vardy, who was named player of the year by the Football Writers’ Association earlier this month, won the goal of the season award for his tremendous long-range strike in the 2-0 home win against Liverpool in February.

Two-year deal for Swansea
head coach Guidolin
Swansea City head coach Francesco Guidolin has signed a new two-year contract following a successful short-term stint at the helm, the Premier League club announced yesterday.
The experienced 60-year-old Italian succeeded the sacked Garry Monk in January, with Swansea just two points above the relegation zone, and successfully steered the Welsh club to safety. Ahead of their final game of the season at home to Manchester City on Sunday, Swansea are 11th in the table, 12 points clear of the bottom three, and could finish as high as ninth.
“I’m pleased to confirm that we have reached an agreement with Francesco on a new two-year contract,” Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins said in a statement on the Swansea website. “Francesco fully deserves the chance to continue his good work into the new campaign. He was prepared to come into the club at such a difficult time and put himself in a pressure situation with the club fighting for survival. “He has achieved the goal of securing top-flight football for this club with plenty to spare and has earned the right to start afresh next season.”  Prior to arriving at the Liberty Stadium, Guidolin had primarily worked in Italy, notably coaching Bologna, Palermo, Parma and Udinese. He also spent a season in charge at Monaco.