Arsenal always planned to take off Danny Welbeck at half-time of defeat by Cologne, insists Arsene Wenger

Daily Mail | November 24, 2017

Arsene Wenger insists Danny Welbeck did not suffer a recurrence of his recent injury despite coming off at half-time as Arsenal lost to Cologne.

The Gunners, showing 11 changes from Saturday's north London derby success over Tottenham, were beaten 1-0 in a poor contest at the RheinEnergieStadion.

A controversial second-half penalty settled the tie as Mathieu Debuchy was adjudged to have fouled Sehrou Guirassy in the area when there was minimal contact.

Arsenal forward Danny Welbeck was taken off at half-time of Thursday's defeat by Cologne

The England international wasu00a0playing his first game in a month following a groin injury — The England international was playing his first game in a month following a groin injury

Guirassy stepped up to convert the resulting spot-kick and give Cologne the three points which keeps them in the hunt to go through with Arsenal in second place.