Arsenal forward Danny Welbeck has been ruled out for nine months after undergoing surgery following "significant cartilage damage" to his right knee.
Welbeck pulled up with the injury 20 minutes into his side’s 2-2 draw with Manchester City on Sunday and was swiftly replaced by Jack Wilshere.
The 25-year-old was expected to be a key member of Roy Hodgson’s England squad at this summer’s European Championships in France.
Welbeck had started in March’s 3-2 win in Germany, but his injury has ruled him out of Euro 2016 and will make him a serious doubt for Arsenal next season.
Just three months after making a return from an injury in his left knee Welbeck had swiftly proven his worth to Arsene Wenger, scoring five goals in 15 appearances including match-winners against Leicester and Norwich.
Wilshere has endured similarly extensive injury problems over recent weeks and offered his sympathy to his team-mate after replacing him on Sunday in such unfortunate circumstances.
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He told Standard Sport: “Of course I didn’t want to get on like that. Danny has been through enough injuries.
“He’s been through hell and I know what it’s like for him. He’ll be gutted.”
