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Danny Welbeck could actually play on Sunday.

Arsene Wenger suggested on Thursday that the England international was ‘really, really, close’ to a return even though next week’s trip to Tottenham would be the soonest he could be available to play.

However, during his press conference on Friday, Wenger admitted that Welbeck is suddenly in contention to be part of the team which hosts Aston Villa on Sunday.

The 24-year-old is yet to make an appearance for Arsenal in 2015 after suffering a thigh injury during the 2-1 victory at West Ham where he scored the winning goal.

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Wenger initially claimed that Welbeck could only resume training on Monday, but the former Manchester United star was able to train with the Arsenal squad today and he could be named in the 18-man squad to play this weekend.

Also present in Friday’s training session were Jack Wilshere, Krystian Bielik and new face Gabriel Paulista who is also likely to be available against Villa.

Olivier Giroud’s fine form following his return from suspension has kept the Gunners on course despite the absence of Welbeck. But after the departures of Lukas  Podolski, Yaya Sanogo and Joel Campbell on loan deals, Wenger will be counting on every option left in his attack for the remainder of the campaign.

Welbeck scored his first ever goal in Arsenal’s colours against the same Aston Villa side which will visit the Emirates stadium on Sunday.

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