Arsenal striker Danny Welbeck has been ruled out for nine months after undergoing a knee surgery.

Danny Welbeck has had surgery to his right knee. Full recovery will take approx nine months: https://t.co/mAtgUiEYOH pic.twitter.com/QYM79Q8qOZ

— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) May 11, 2016

The 25-year-old suffered a knee injury during Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Manchester City. After consulting with the specialists, it was determined that surgery was required after scans and tests revealed significant cartilage damage.

The former Manchester United striker will miss the Euro 2016 Championship in the summer. He will also miss a major part of the 2016-17 campaign as his full recovery is expected to take approximately nine months.

This is indeed a devastating blow for Welbeck, who only returned in February from a 10-month spell out with a problem on his other knee.

Since joining Arsenal from Manchester United in 2014, Welbeck has spent more time on the sidelines than on the pitch, with him making only 20 appearances in the last two seasons for the Gunners.

Welbeck said on social media: “I will be back stronger!”

With Welbeck out of Euros, England manager Roy Hodgson has a tough selection to make when he will announce the 23-man England squad on Monday. Will he include Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge in the squad or Newcastle United winger Andros Townsend get a surprise call up