Walcott out & Welbeck a doubt for Arsenal’s clash with Manchester United

The 23-year-old has been struggling all week with a hamstring problem picked up in England's 3-1 win over Scotland on Tuesday while the winger did not train on Thursday

Arsene Wenger has revealed that Theo Walcott will miss Arsenal's clash with Manchester United on Saturday, while Danny Welbeck is a doubt to face Louis van Gaal's side.

Welbeck has been struggling all week with a hamstring problem picked up during England's 3-1 win over Scotland on Tuesday, while Walcott did not train on Thursday as he continues his gradual recovery from a serious knee injury.

On Welbeck, Wenger told reporters: "His fitness will depend on the medical assessment this morning."

The Gunners boss also revealed he understood opposite number Van Gaal's decision to sell the 23-year-old for €20 million in the summer and insists he is under no obligation to play his new striker centrally.

"Welbeck is still a young player," he added. "I can understand Van Gaal completely. What's important is that he gets an opportunity.

"Van Gaal didn't have him under his command for very long so it's difficult to judge players.

"One reason we bought him was because he wanted to play. Playing centrally wasn't a condition.