New Arsenal striker a doubt for England friendly after training injury

Roy Hodgson has confirmed new Arsenal striker Danny Welbeck is a doubt for England’s friendly against Norway after suffering an ankle injury in training.

The 23-year-old sealed a £16million deadline day move to the Emirates from Manchester United in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

But in his first session at the Gunners’ London Colney training ground, where the Three Lions made their preparations for Wednesday’s tie at Wembley, the striker picked up a knock in training that puts his participation in doubt.

On Welbeck’s late move, England manager Hodgson said: "We are happy for Danny. He felt the move might lead to more regular football and that will only be to our advantage and we think or hope he will be ready to start for Arsenal.

"But unfortunately in training today he did manage to receive a knock in the session, but I have been assured he is okay and that it will not rule him out, but obviously I suppose it could happen.

"I would be very disappointed if he could not play tomorrow because of what happened with the last kick of the session."

Hodgson is planning to field a "young team" against Norway, although the Three Lions coach revealed none of the four uncapped players in the 22-man squad will start.

While Calum Chambers, Fabian Delph and Danny Rose may get a chance off the bench, Jack Colback will have to wait.

The Newcastle midfielder will be available for the Switzerland match but an injury he injury picked up while playing for Newcastle at the weekend rules him out of the Wembley encounter, where he could be joined on the sidelines by Welbeck.

Hodgson confirmed Colback's absence from Wednesday night's match, saying: "He's been having treatment since we got together on the Sunday but unfortunately it's still going to be a day too soon for him.

"Hopefully he'll recover by Thursday so when we go to St George's Park he'll train but unfortunately he's out of the game for tomorrow, but he's the only one."

Tottenham defender has surgery following ongoing injury troubles

Tottenham and England right-back Kyle Walker has undergone lower abdominal surgery, his club have announced.

The 24-year-old has not played for Spurs since March, and no timescale was put on his recovery in a brief statement on their official website on Tuesday evening.

"Kyle Walker has undergone lower abdominal surgery," it read.

"The England right-back's pre-season preparations were disrupted by the abdominal injury and the decision to have surgery was taken following further medical assessment by specialists."

The north London club had initially hoped to avoid surgery, but resorted to sending the player for an operation in a bid to fix the long-standing problem.

"Kyle is good some days. On other days he has a bad feeling," boss Mauricio Pochettino said last month.

"We believe he may recover soon, but we need to be calm with him because it is an injury that he has had for five months."

Exclusive – Wenger can get the best out of Welbeck, says Man United legend

Manchester United legend Peter Schmeichel believes Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger can take Danny Welbeck to the next level.

The England striker joined the Gunners on transfer deadline day in a £16million move as Radamel Falcao signed for the Red Devils on loan.

And as it looks like Welbeck will be given a chance to play as a central striker at the Emirates with Olivier Giroud absent through injury, Schmeichel feels Wenger is the right man to get the best out of the 23-year-old.

“I don’t think it’s a gamble [by Arsene Wenger to sign Welbeck]. It’s unfair to use his goalscoring stats against him. I know he has started a few games [centrally] but he’s not really had a proper opportunity to be a number nine and he will get that at Arsenal.

“Danny Welbeck is a fantastic player he’s got great technique it looks a bit awkward but it’s difficult to play against.

“He’s lightning quick and I think he appreciates he has to work on his goalscoring ratio. It’s not what it should be as he gets chances, but he hasn’t been able to put them away.

"Maybe he’s been working too much on the flanks and using up all his energy so when he gets an opportunity in front of goal he hasn’t got that little bit of concentration you need to stick it away.

“He’s getting a chance with Arsenal now, it’s a great opportunity. I think he’s getting a great manager [in Arsene Wenger] who can bring him up to the next level.”

Transfer rumours and paper review – Wednesday, September 3

Here's the top transfer-related stories in Wednesday's newspapers...

Manchester United are lining up a move for Roma's Netherlands midfielder Kevin Strootman, 24, in the January transfer window. (Daily Mail)

Liverpool have agreed personal terms on a one-year deal with former Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes, with the free agent set to move to Anfield imminently. (Daily Express)

But the Reds could have to wait until November to sign Valdes, 32, as he is recovering from a knee injury. (Daily Star)

Liverpool striker Fabio Borini's demands over wages and a get-out clause in his contract scuppered a move to QPR for the 23-year-old. (The Sun)

French winger Hatem Ben Arfa, 27, is likely to have played his last game for Newcastle United after joining Hull City on loan. (Daily Telegraph)

Ben Arfa almost cried at the warm welcome he got when he arrived at Hull. (Daily Mirror)

Paris St-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi claims Argentina winger Angel Di Maria, 26, wanted to join the Ligue 1 club before his move from Real Madrid to Manchester United. (Daily Mail)