Arsenal striker Danny Welbeck hopes to return from injury by the New Year

Arsenal forward Danny Welbeck is eyeing a return to action in early 2016 as he steps up his recovery.

Welbeck, 24, hasn't featured for club or country this season and underwent knee surgery last month.

That means the England striker has missed the Gunners good start to the current campaign - they sit second after their 3-0 win over Manchester United - and was also absent as the Three Lions confidently secured their place at next summer's European Championships.

But now having had his leg brace removed, the former Manchester United man is targeting a comeback soon after the New Year.

"It's difficult to put an exact date on it, around the New Year," he told Sport 360. "After I had the operation, I was in a leg brace for about four weeks - which wasn't easy. I had to do a lot of machine work, about six hours a day.

"Sleeping in a leg brace isn't good. At night it's not comfortable, it's the first time I've slept on my back in years.

"It's good to finally be out of the brace now and walking. It feels like I'm getting that little bit closer to getting back out on the pitch."

Welbeck was a key man for Roy Hodgson's England during the early part of Euro 2016 qualifying, scoring six times in five games.

However, while he has been a regular under Roy Hodgson, Welbeck is not looking ahead to France next summer, but is instead solely focused on getting back playing regularly for the Gunners.

"I am not looking ahead to the Euros at the moment," he added. "I need to get back for Arsenal first, then see what happens. It is never good to get injured at any point. It is frustrating.

"I missed the back end of last season, then came back into pre-season training and you go through it all again with the rehab. It is frustrating.

"But it is something which is part and parcel of the game. It is something I have to deal with."