Welbeck misses training ahead of key Real Sociedad tie

Danny Welbeck

Danny Welbeck has given David Moyes a selection headache by joining a growing list of absentees when he sat out of training ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League tie with Real Sociedad, according to Sky Sports.

The 22-year-old missed training alongside Tom Cleverley, Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic, who all missed Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Southampton.

Vidic and Ferdinand’s continued absence means Moyes will likely pick a centre back pairing of Jonny Evans and Phil Jones.

Patrice Evra has recovered just in time to take part in full at training so should be fit for Sociedad’s visit.

In other injury news, Darren Fletcher has finally made a return to full training after training alone for several weeks.

The 29-year-old midfielder suffers from a chronic bowel condition that has restricted his time on the pitch. His last start for United was on Boxing Day last year so Moyes will be pleased to have his experienced midfielder back.

There are hopes that he will feature later this month.

Welbeck has completed 153 passes in the Premier League this season. 94 (61.4%) of them have been sent backwards by the attacker. This has resulted in just one key pass all season.