Danny Welbeck scores hat-trick in Arsenal friendly as striker pushes for last ever appearance in Europa League final after seven months out
The striker hasn't played a competitive game for Arsenal since November, but he is in with a shout of a farewell appearance
DANNY WELBECK hit a hat-trick in an internal Arsenal friendly last week in his attempts to earn a call-up to Unai Emery's Europa League final squad.
Out injured since November, the English forward knows he must make the most of his limited chances to impress his manager before the date in Baku.
Arsenal are also due to play Austrian outfit LASK Linz, again behind closed doors, in a bid to keep the team sharp.
A gap of 17 days bridges the final Premier League game of the season, a 2-1 win at Burnley, and May 29's Europa League final.
Whether or not Welbeck plays any part in that game, he will leave Arsenal in the summer after five years at the club.
Injury problems and the form of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette have contributed to the striker being deemed surplus to requirement.
Fans were only made aware of his exit when the club announced they wouldn't be renewing his contract on the Emirates Stadium pitch earlier this month.
However he still harbours ambitions of returning from his broken ankle against Chelsea, with the 28-year-old set to be part of the travelling party to Azerbaijan.
They are seeking a first European trophy in 25 years for the Gunners, as well as the highly sought after ticket to next season's Champions League.