Former Gunner stretchered off with oxygen after scoring 5th goal | OneFootball

Former Arsenal forward Danny Welbeck required oxygen on the pitch following a concerning back injury during Brighton‘s Premier League clash with Newcastle United.

The 33-year-old, who was instrumental for Brighton throughout the match, was stretchered off after a collision with Newcastle defender Fabian Schar late in the game.

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 19: Danny Welbeck of Brighton & Hove Albion is carried from the pitch on a stretcher during the Premier League match between Newcastle United FC and Brighton & Hove Albion FC at St James’ Park on October 19, 2024 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images)

At St James’ Park, Welbeck opened the scoring for Brighton with a composed finish, netting his fifth goal of the season and continuing his impressive form.

His goal gave Brighton a critical lead and ultimately proved decisive in their 1-0 victory, which handed Newcastle their first home defeat since January.

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 19: Danny Welbeck of Brighton & Hove Albion celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Premier League match between Newcastle United FC and Brighton & Hove Albion FC at St James’ Park on October 19, 2024 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images)

Despite the win, Welbeck’s injury overshadowed the result. The collision appeared minor at first, but it quickly became evident that the striker was in significant discomfort, necessitating medical attention and oxygen as he was stretchered off the field.

Brighton head coach Fabian Hurzeler expressed cautious optimism regarding Welbeck’s condition. “Hopefully it’s not too bad, but he will have a scan and then we will know more,” Hurzeler said.

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 19: Danny Welbeck of Brighton & Hove Albion is carried from the pitch on a stretcher during the Premier League match between Newcastle United FC and Brighton & Hove Albion FC at St James’ Park on October 19, 2024 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images)

He also highlighted Welbeck’s contributions, noting, “At the time he scored, we didn’t deserve the goal, but Danny showed his quality. It’s impressive how he works for the team and counter-presses. He is a role model for the younger players, and when you work hard like he does, you get what you deserve.”

Welbeck’s injury, occurring with just eight minutes of the 90 remaining, saw him receiving medical attention for what appeared to be a knee to the back from Schar. As he was stretchered off, Welbeck was seen talking to his teammates, offering some reassurance to worried fans.

LONDON, ENGLAND – MARCH 15: Danny Welbeck of Arsenal celebrates his penalty during the UEFA Europa League Round of 16 Second Leg match between Arsenal and AC Milan at Emirates Stadium on March 15, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Welbeck, who joined Arsenal in 2014 from Manchester United, found his time at the Emirates marred by injury.

However, during his time with the Gunners, he delivered crucial goals, including a dramatic late winner against Leicester City in 2016 that was pivotal in keeping Arsenal in the title race that season.

His versatility and work rate made him a valuable asset to Arsène Wenger’s squad and a fan favourite, although recurring injuries meant he never fully established himself as a consistent first-choice player.