Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger: Danny Welbeck is still an 'important' player for the Gunners

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says Danny Welbeck is still an important player for his side, despite the fact the striker has not started the previous two games for the Gunners.

Welbeck, who signed for Arsenal from Manchester United for £16m ($25m) in the summer of 2014, faces his former club in the FA Cup quarter finals on 9 March. Despite a promising start to his career at the north London club, the 24-year-old has struggled for form of late and is yet to score a goal for the Gunners in 2015.

But at the pre-match press conference before the game, Wenger was adamant Welbeck still had a future with Arsenal.

"He's very important. Danny Welbeck played many, many games since the start of the season. I think he played in nearly every single game. His position is one of the three up front, central, wide; he can play anywhere," he said.

"You have moments in the season where some players play a bit less. Most of the time it's up front, because not every single player can play every single game in the most important parts of the season," he added.

Reigning champions Arsenal have only beaten Manchester United once in their last 11 games and have not won at Old Trafford since 2006.