ARSENE WENGER has confirmed Danny Welbeck is 'ahead of schedule' and will return in January.
The 25-year-old striker suffered his second serious injury during his time at Arsenal in May.
Welbeck required surgery on his left knee to resolve the 'significant cartilage damage' that he sustained in the 2-2 draw with Manchester City last season, which ruled him out for nine months and saw him miss out on England's Euro 2016 campaign.
But Gunners boss Wenger has revealed that Welbeck could resume running in the next two weeks, but vowed to not rush the striker back into competitive action.
“He's ahead of schedule and he'll be back in January,” Wenger said.
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“It will take 2 months competition for him to get back to his best.”
Welbeck has made 49 appearances and scored 13 goals in all competitions for Arsenal since joining from Manchester United in 2014.
Wenger also confirmed Santi Cazorla won't be available for their clash with Middlesbrough at the Emirates tomorrow (3pm) due to a slight knock.
The Gunners currently sit second in the Premier League and a win against Boro could see them leapfrog Man City and go top.