There was only one topic of conversation after our Europa League draw with Sporting CP: Danny Welbeck.
The England international was stretchered off in obvious distress in the first half at Emirates Stadium, and this is what Unai Emery said about it afterwards:
on Welbeck’s injury casting a shadow…
It’s the worst news tonight, this injury. It’s clear that we are with him in these minutes. He was working well and he was having a good match. He had some chances too. His injury was with the mentality of the players. They [saw] it was a big injury. When you are playing football, when you are playing in competitive matches, it can happen. You don’t want it to happen but this is our profession.
on Welbeck going to hospital…
Yes, now he is at the hospital. The news is that we are going to wait - but we think it’s a serious injury.
on mood in dressing room at half-time…
When one player has an injury like that, every player on the pitch they look at this injury. First it’s in your mind - you think for the player. But I think the players were concentrated on the match and we forgot this injury the next minute on the pitch. But when the match finishes, the first thing they did was ask for him.
on if anyone has spoken to Welbeck…
No, no.
on if it’s an ankle injury…
It’s an ankle.
on how said it is to see Welbeck injured again…
Every injury is different. This [could] be a break of something in the ankle. It’s a different injury to others.
on if Welbeck’s future is here despite the injury…
He’s a very good person. His commitment with us is very big. He’s helped us with his behaviour, with his quality and his capacity. It’s a very big injury for him, for us, for all people who like and love him as a person.
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