Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has ruled Danny Welbeck out of the FA Cup final against Aston Villa this weekend, while also explaining the forward will not be fit for England duty next month.
Welbeck has been involved in a race against time to be fit for the showpiece at Wembley, but has lost the race and will play no part against Tim Sherwood's men as the Gunners battle for the trophy.
Asked about his side's injury news at a press conference this morning, Wenger replied: "Welbeck will not be fit for Arsenal or England.
"That's the only injury."
The Frenchman then expanded on Welbeck's injury and admitted he felt the former Manchester United man would have recovered in time.
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"I was confident that he would be available but his bone bruising was not healed", Wenger added.
The Arsenal boss did have more positive news on Mathieu Debuchy and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain who, although lacking in match fitness, are available should the Gunners wish to select them against Aston Villa.
"Debuchy and Oxlade-Chamberlain are available. Short on competition but they are available", Wenger explained.
Arsenal won the FA Cup last year, beating Hull City in the final to end a nine-year trophy drought. They are bidding to defend the trophy at the weekend, but face an Aston Villa side that have adopted a more attacking outlook under Sherwood.
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