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Arsenal forward Danny Welbeck will miss FA Cup final

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger does not expect Danny Welbeck to be fit enough to be in contention for the FA Cup final, casting doubt over the striker's availability for England duty next month.

Welbeck is unlikely to be ready in time for Wembley. Credit: PA

The Gunners ended the Premier League campaign with a 4-1 win over West Brom at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, where Theo Walcott netted a hat-trick.

While Walcott strengthened his claim for retaining his place in the starting XI against Aston Villa at Wembley on May 30, and midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's late substitute appearance renewed his hopes of being involved, Wenger confirmed Welbeck's knee problem was likely to rule him out next weekend.

That could put a question mark over whether the striker will be fit for the upcoming international friendly against the Republic of Ireland in Dublin and the Euro 2016 qualifier away to Slovenia.

Asked by Press Association Sport whether he thought the 24-year-old could be fit for the FA Cup final, Wenger said: "Welbeck will be short because he has not practised yet."