Danny Welbeck set to miss arsenal's clash and the upcoming international friendlies with a knee injury

The England international, replaced by Jay Rodriguez in Roy Hodgson's latest squad, will miss the visit of the top-of-the-table Gunners with a knee problem

Manchester United forward Danny Welbeck will miss Sunday's crucial game against Arsenal through injury, boss David Moyes has confirmed.

The 22-year-old missed victory away to Fulham with a knee injury and, despite returning to training ahead of their midweek trip to Real Sociedad, was also omitted from the midweek Champions League squad.

Moyes has now revealed the striker will continue to sit out due to injury but he hopes his side can keep momentum running on the weekend by extending their eight-game unbeaten run in all competitions.

"We want to keep the results going and keep improving," he said in a press conference. "Hopefully we can keep that momentum going.

"Arsenal are coming to play the champions. They're top and will come here in good spirits but we want to put on a good show.

"They've had the benefit of continuity. They have the same chance to win the title as we all do. Their form has been good."

However Moyes, who could secure his club's sixth consecutive home victory in the league against table-toppers Arsenal on Sunday, admitted is was another "tough" fixture handed to him at the start of his reign.

He added: "For a new manager coming here it's a tough set of fixtures but if you're Manchester United, you're used to it.

Meanwhile, Moyes hopes Michael Carrick, Tom Cleverley, Rafael da Silva and Jonny Evans will be available.

Defenders Rafael and Evans did not feature in Tuesday's 0-0 Champions League draw against Real Sociedad because of ankle and back problems, but Moyes is optimistic that they will be able to return.

Midfielder Carrick, who has sat out United's last two games with a calf problem, might be fit and Cleverley, another who did not feature in Spain, could add to his manager's midfield options.

The England international came off with double vision during Saturday’s 3-1 win over Fulham.

Moyes said: "Hopefully, we'll have a few players back. The only one who is not in contention is Danny Welbeck. He's still suffering with his knee. But hopefully I'll have the other ones in and around the squad. I'll be able to make a decision tomorrow [Saturday] once I see how they all are."

Arsenal kick off eight points ahead of United after having won eight of their last nine league games, but Moyes -- whose team are unbeaten in eight matches in all competitions -- believes his side are as likely to end the season as champions as the Gunners.

He added: "Arsenal have the same chance to win the title as we all do. It's a very open league. Arsenal's form has been very good, but we're trying to continue our momentum."