Danny Welbeck poised to help fire Watford to safety after using lockdown to shake off injury woes

Danny Welbeck used football’s shutdown to get himself fit and firing for Watford’s fight to stay in the Premier League.

The striker was troubled by injury during his final years at Arsenal and, after joining Watford last summer, he was struck by a hamstring problem.

Welbeck was out of action from October until the start of February and he is still yet to start a game since limping off against Tottenham.

Football’s shutdown, however, has given the 29-year-old time to get himself fully fit and now he is ready to play a key role in Watford’s push to stay in the Premier League, which continues tonight at Burnley.

Watford assistant manager Craig Shakespeare told Standard Sport: “Danny is one that has probably benefited from the break. He has all the attributes you need to be a top-class striker. He’s got a great personality, great attitude, great work ethic. He just needs a run of games.

“Danny has been in fine form and his fitness levels have been excellent. We have been able to get some physical work in him, which I think he has benefited from.”

Watford head to Burnley, who lost 5-0 at Manchester City on Monday, knowing that a win would move them four points clear of the relegation places.