Arsenal are hopeful striker Danny Welbeck will be back to full fitness by late December.

The 24-year-old underwent surgery on his injured left knee last week after his initial injury failed to heal as quickly as expected.

The Telegraph is reporting that Welbeck is still aiming to return to the field by Christmas, despite the setback.

England manager Roy Hodgson recently said he expected Welbeck to be out for a 'period of months' following the surgery.

However the Gunners' medical staff are understood to be confident the England international will be fully healed in time for the busy holiday schedule.