Arsenal's Danny Welbeck has promised to come back "stronger than ever before" as he returned home from the hospital after having two operations on his broken ankle.
Welbeck posted a photo on social media showing himself on crutches and with his right foot in a cast on Tuesday. But he was also giving a thumbs up and smiling, while striking an upbeat tone when thanking fans "for all the love and support" he has received.
"No doubt I will be back stronger than ever before. Recovery grind starts now," Welbeck wrote.
Back home... Thanks for all the love and support. No doubt I will be back stronger than ever before. Recovery grind starts now 🙏🏿❤💪🏿 pic.twitter.com/Kv8qxTGgDk
— Danny Welbeck (@DannyWelbeck) November 13, 2018
The England international broke his ankle during Thursday's Europa League game against Sporting Lisbon at the Emirates. He underwent a second operation on Monday night, but Arsenal have said it's still too early to determine when he might be back on the pitch.
Welbeck's Arsenal contract expires next summer and it's unclear if he'll play again before then.
This is the striker's third long-term layoff in four years, having also suffered two separate knee injuries that also required surgery.