Wenger stands up for Welbeck

London - Striker Danny Welbeck is playing an important role in Arsenal's season despite being moved into an unpreferred wide role, manager Arsene Wenger said on Friday.

Arsenal face Welbeck's former club Manchester United in the FA Cup quarter-finals on Monday and the England international is again likely to be shunted out to the flank, just as he often was during his time at Old Trafford.

After joining Arsenal for £16 million pounds last year his chances of playing in his preferred central position have been limited since Olivier Giroud returned from injury in November to score nine league goals in 15 matches.