Thursday's Europa League clash with Sporting CP saw Danny Welbeck suffer a horific injury. Arsenal earned a goalless draw and thus secured progression, but the only thing on everyone's mind was the English attacker.
After jumping to meet a cross, the Three Lions ace twisted his ankle while landing and was left in excruciating pain. The players and referee immediately knew it was serious, with the medics rushing in to aid him before stretchering him off to a standing ovation.
The 27-year-old required oxygen, with Unai Emery confirming that the attacker was immediately taken to the hospital. His team-mates were left visibly distraught after witnessing the injury, with the likes of Guendozi being unable to conceal his shock.
Welbeck, who was replaced by Aubameyang in the Emirates Stadium draw, received messages of support from across the board after his ankle injury. Tweets from fans, team-mates, and pundits poured in for the former Man United man.
Oh no ... get well soon Danny #Welbeck @Arsenal
— Mesut Özil (@MesutOzil1088) November 8, 2018
Good luck @dannywelbeck See you soon my bro #Welbeck #Welbz #DatGuy pic.twitter.com/Lt3BVeS5Pc
— Alexandre Lacazette (@LacazetteAlex) November 8, 2018
Get well soon Danny #Welbeck #DatGuy @DannyWelbeck pic.twitter.com/P3ugp0mGGw
— Gunnersaurus (@Gunnersaurus) November 9, 2018
His former club also wished him a speedy recovery
Wishing @DannyWelbeck a full recovery from his injury. #MUFC https://t.co/eONjpEEiSI
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) November 9, 2018
As well as former team-mate Santi Cazorla
I would to wish a very good recovery to Danny Welbeck on his injury.
— Gilberto Silva (@GilbertoSilva) November 8, 2018
Keep strong .@Arsenal pic.twitter.com/FEgviV0Orm
"It's the worst thing for a footballer... we wish him all the best."
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) November 8, 2018
Danny Murphy believes Danny Welbeck has the strength of character to come back after suffering a serious-looking injury in the Europa League #TheDebate is live on Sky Sports Premier League now. pic.twitter.com/3vFvQFcpFt
Such a shame for Welbeck. Really hope he's okay.
— Nicole Holliday (@NicoleHolliday) November 8, 2018
Danny Welbeck looks like he's getting oxygen as he lies stricken in Sporting's penalty area. Leg brace being applied. Guendouzi has his hands on his head and can hardly bear to watch. Appears to be serious. Aubameyang coming on.
— James Olley (@JamesOlley) November 8, 2018
Guendouzi looking on at Welbeck getting treatment pic.twitter.com/Q6buSqJKAJ
— arseblog (@arseblog) November 8, 2018
Danny Welbeck carried off on a stretcher with what looked a really bad injury, don't want to speculate but reaction of his team mates suggests it is a very bad on......best wishes to him for a speedy recovery pic.twitter.com/kw8kvai6d8
— Ian Abrahams (Moose) (@BroadcastMoose) November 8, 2018
Welbeck's contract ends in summer so we might have seen the last of him in an Arsenal shirt. Love dat guy
— Ahmed (@Ahmed91Gooner) November 8, 2018
This means Danny won't be participating in the upcoming international break, having been called up by Southgate to represent the Three Lions. Gareth will now have to replace Welbeck for the friendly against the USA and the crucial UEFA Nations League clash with Croatia.
This could also be the final nail in the coffin that is his Arsenal career. Emery admitted that this "difficult injury" is likely a broken ankle, which could possibly end his season.
Given that is Gunners contract expires next summer, his attempts to get a new deal in north London could have ended prematurely. The ship has also sailed on impressing other suitors should he be forced to sit out the remainder of the season.
Emery, though, did not wish to talk about the player's contract situation after this unforgettable night. He said (as per the Sun): "It is not the moment to think about [the] contract. It is the moment to think about Danny, it is a difficult problem for him and the club."
