Danny Welbeck has finally returned to first-team training after being sidelined with a knee injury for the past nine months.

The news comes as a boost to Arsenal who will also welcome back Francis Coquelin this weekend in the FA Cup against Burnley.

Welbeck picked up the knee injury against Chelsea last April and was initially only expected to be out shot-term. The injury, however, proved difficult to heal and he was forced to undergo surgery at the start of this season.

Arsenal's English midfielder Jack Wilshere and Arsenal's English striker Danny Welbeck react during the Arsenal victory parade in London on May 31, 2015, following their win in the English FA Cup final football match on May 30, 2014 against Aston Villa. Arsene Wenger's side made history at Wembley with a 4-0 rout of Aston Villa that underlined their renaissance in the second half of the campaign and served as a warning to English champions Chelsea. AFP PHOTO / LEON NEAL
The lesser spotted Welbeck (with the even lesser spotted Jack) AFP PHOTO / LEON NEAL

With Arsenal still well placed in the title race, the return of talented players who will be fresh and well rested could not come at a better time for the club as they look to secure their first league title since 2004.

Of course, we can’t expect Welbeck to come straight back into the side, but it’s great news nonetheless.

All we have to hope for, really, is that the legs don’t fall off another five players in the meantime.