Arsene Wenger believes Danny Welbeck can make a big impact during the run-in to the Premier League season.
The England international missed nine months with a knee injury, but has scored four goals in nine appearances since his return.
Welbeck has been used across the front three since he signed for Arsenal in 2014, and Wenger sees his versatility as a big benefit.
“He can play on the flanks and through the middle, so I can play him with Giroud or [instead of] Giroud - that gives so many options,” the manager said. “You cannot say you don’t miss a player of that stature for nine months.
“I believe [he can make a difference]. I had many hesitations to play him before the game because he is still not completely over his knee problem.
“We have to be cautious but I pushed it because I knew this was now or never [for the title bid].
“I know this team has put in a lot of work since the start of the season, I know how much dedication this team has had over the last eight months and I want them to be rewarded.
“We have gone through a difficult period and it is a good test to see how a team survives after getting so much stick. When I see their response every day, this team deserves credit."
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