Arsenal fear forward Danny Welbeck has suffered a “very big injury” after he was carried off on a stretcher during his side’s Europa League game against Sporting Lisbon on Thursday.
It ended goalless at Emirates Stadium as the Gunners secured a place in the last 32, but the match was overshadowed by the 27-year-old England international’s ankle injury.
“He is at the hospital. The news is that we are going to wait, but we think it’s a serious injury,” said Arsenal boss Unai Emery.
“Every injury is different. This could be a break of something in the ankle.
“It’s clear that we’re with him in these minutes. He’s a very good person and his commitment with us is very big.
“It’s a very big injury for him, for us, for all people who like and love him as a person.”
Welbeck was hurt in the 25th minute when he jumped for a header and landed badly on his right ankle.
He received oxygen and had his leg in a protective brace as he was taken off the pitch, with up to 10 medical staff around him as he received treatment.
Some of Welbeck’s team-mates were also visibly affected by the incident.
“They saw it was a big injury,” added Emery.
“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.”
