Kieran Gibbs reckons that Danny Welbeck is fitter and stronger than ever.

Since signing for Arsenal from Manchester United in 2014, Welbeck has featured 55 times for the senior team, which doesn’t sound that bad until you look at his minutes. The striker has played a grand total of 3,255 minutes for the Gunners; that’s just under an hour on average per game. On top of this, he’s missed out on 557 days through injury – 78 matches. Therefore, he’s missed more games than he’s played.

When Welbz was sidelined with another serious knee injury at the end of last season, it was hard to see how he could mentally come back, let alone physically.

However, teammate Gibbs insists he’s readier than ever to prove himself.

“You can tell from his story and his background that he’s a winner and he’s really had a big impact coming to the club. He’s looking the fittest and strongest I’ve ever seen him,” Gibbs told Arsenal Player.

“It’s important we keep him fit and make sure he comes back at the right time and not rush it too much. Someone as powerful as him – when he’s well managed – he can be a force for us.”

Since returning from injury, Welbz has scored twice in the FA Cup and although Arsene Wenger is being incredibly cautious with him given his history, all he needs is more game time and he’s bound to start banging them in regularly.