Arsenal striker Danny Welbeck has admitted that he is looking forward to making his comeback from injury.
The England international has not featured for the Gunners this term after sustaining a knee injury towards the back end of last season.
Welbeck, who underwent surgery on the problem in September, has revealed that he is close to stepping up his recovery.
"It's slow and steady but it's coming along," he told Arsenal's official website. "It's difficult to see the lads when you're still in the gym, doing double days, but once I get back out on the pitch and start running I will be much happier. It's a difficult period for me but I'm looking forward to coming back strong.
"I want to get back out on the pitch, keep on improving, keep training and keep fit - that's the main thing. I just want to get back to playing football.
"I'm trying to build to muscle and it's hard, but it's something that I've grasped with two hands and I'm really looking forward to my return."
Welbeck has scored eight goals in 34 appearances for Arsenal since joining from Manchester United in September 2014.
Steven Toplis
