Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has explained that he had decided before the Europa League clash against Cologne on Thursday night that Nigerian star Alex Iwobi would replace Danny Welbeck at half-time.

The Gunners face Burnley, Huddersfield Town and Manchester United in the space of six days, and Wenger admitted it was too risky for Welbeck, who was playing his first game since he sustained an injury vs Watford,  to go the distance against the German opponents.

''It was planned before the game that he would only play 45 minutes,''Wenger told arsenal.com.

''He has only just come back from injury, and we have three more games on Sunday, Wednesday and Saturday again.

''Medically, the risk was a bit too high to play him for longer because he has been out for a while.

''He has no problem. Of course, he was ready to stay on and frustrated to come off, but he’s in good shape.''

Iwobi made only his second appearance in the Europa League against Cologne, he has been subbed in twice since returning from international duty with the Super Eagles.

Igho Kingsley