Welbeck went under the knife in September after failing to recover from a cartilage problem that has ruled him out since April.
Arsenal announced that the 24-year-old was expected to return in the New Year but England manager Roy Hodgson claimed Welbeck would not feature until March.
Welbeck is desperate to play a part in Arsenal's title challenge this season and also known he must prove his fitness to Hodgson ahead of Euro 2016.
Sources have told Goal that Welbeck is making a solid recovery and should be ready to play first-team matches for the Gunners by February.
Arsenal announced that the 24-year-old was expected to return in the New Year but England manager Roy Hodgson claimed Welbeck would not feature until March.
Welbeck is desperate to play a part in Arsenal's title challenge this season and also known he must prove his fitness to Hodgson ahead of Euro 2016.
Sources have told Goal that Welbeck is making a solid recovery and should be ready to play first-team matches for the Gunners by February.
