Welbeck ankle break & surgery confirmed in blow to Arsenal boss Emery

Danny Welbeck has broken his ankle and undergone surgery, Arsenal head coach Unai Emery has confirmed.

Welbeck sustained the injury against Sporting CP in the Europa League on Thursday and Arsenal confirmed the following day that he was still in hospital.

And speaking at a news conference following Sunday's Premier League draw at home to Wolves, Emery confirmed widespread reports that Welbeck's ankle was broken.

"Danny's injury is big," Emery told reporters.

"We spoke with him yesterday and today.

"We support him. I think he will not be with us for a long time."

England international Welbeck was named in the Three Lions squad for a friendly against United States and Nations League clash with Croatia this week, but the striker now faces a long road to recovery.

The damage he has suffered has been described as "significant" by the Gunners, with a long road to recovery stretching out ahead of him.

Working his way back to fitness will be the top priority for the 27-year-old, but he also has issues regarding his future to address.

Welbeck's current contract is set to expire in the summer of 2019.

There have been calls for him to be handed fresh terms as he starts a lengthy rehabilitation programme, but Arsenal are yet to reveal their plans.

Prior to being laid low, Welbeck had netted five times in 14 appearances for the Gunners this season.