Arsenal vs. West Brom: Arsene Wenger's Key Pre-Match Press Conference Comments

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has revealed that striker Danny Welbeck is back in training after a lengthy layoff through injury.

The Frenchman told members of the media at a press conference ahead of the Gunners’ clash with West Bromwich Albion on Boxing Day that the England international was back on the training pitch on Friday for the first time this season, via Arsenal’s official Twitter feed:

Welbeck has been out since May after being forced to undergo knee surgery, and his return represents "starting a new career," according to Wenger:

Despite Alexis Sanchez’s brilliance as a solo striker of late, having Welbeck, 26, as an option in the new year will be helpful to the Gunners’ bid for Premier League and Champions League glory.

Wenger also told the press that Aaron Ramsey is back in full training after his latest setback, while Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s hamstring strain isn't as bad as feared:

Arsenal are looking to close the gap on league leaders Chelsea with a win over West Brom on Monday, and they will turn to star men Sanchez and Mesut Ozil to provide a necessary spark against a stubborn defence.

The latter has previously been criticised for his lack of effort on the pitch, but Wenger jumped to the German's defence and praised his contribution to the team:

Ozil will be key for Arsenal when probing and trying to unlock the West Brom back line, although Wenger conceded that his side need to be alert in all areas of the pitch against the Baggies:

West Brom come into Monday's match in impressive form, having won four of their last seven Premier League matches.

They were undone by a Zlatan Ibrahimovic-inspired Manchester United last time out, but they have proved worthy of respect against the English top flight's big boys throughout the campaign.

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Arsenal will require all of their focus to bounce back from disappointing defeats against Everton and Manchester City, with fans needing a boost ahead of a crucial time in the 2016-17 season.

Momentum is vital at this point of a Premier League campaign, and the Gunners will be hoping for a win over West Brom to set them up for similar results against Crystal Palace and Bournemouth in the festive period.