Arsene Wenger has revealed that Danny Welbeck was left out of Arsenal's starting lineup for the defeat to Stoke City due to a slight groin strain.

The 24-year-old, who has scored six goals in his previous 14 games, was among the Gunners' substitutes for the trip to the Britannia Stadium.

Having fallen 3-0 down in the first half, Welbeck was introduced at the interval and made an immediate impact as Arsenal eventually pulled the game back to 3-2.

Explaining his decision, Wenger told the club's official website: "Danny has played a lot, he had a little groin problem. He could have played. I rotated a little bit because I wanted to give him a breather.

"I had to respond at half-time unfortunately and it looked like he was alright. We have three or four strikers from game to game and not everybody can play. As Alexis has played every game, he has to dig deep in every game. At some stage you have to rest the players."

The defeat leaves Arsenal in sixth place in the Premier League table.