Danny Welbeck stretchered off and left needing oxygen after suffering back injury in Brighton’s clash at Newcastle

DANNY WELBECK was stretchered off in worrying scenes after suffering a back injury at Newcastle.

The Brighton striker required oxygen after falling to the turf, having earlier hit the only goal of Saturday's 1-0 win.

The Seagulls later posted a reassuring update on X - from their flight back down south.

Brighton posted: "Dat guy’s a bit bruised and battered, but the good news is our match-winner at St James’ Park, @DannyWelbeck, is on our @British_Airways flight home."

The ex-Manchester United star slotted the 35th-minute clincher after a deft one-two with Georginio Rutter.

That lifted the Seagulls to fifth place overnight with back-to-back Prem victories.

But his day was cut short after a painful incident in the 77th minute.

The former Arsenal star fell to the floor following an innocuous coming together with Toon center-back Fabian Schar.

He appeared to tweak something in his back, hitting the deck before immediately calling for medical staff.

Welbeck required oxygen as he was stretchered from the field, before being replaced by Jan Paul van Hecke.

He received a standing ovation from both fans as he was carried off.

After the game, his Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler said: "Hopefully it's not that bad but we can't be sure. Let's wait for the results of the scans.

“I don't judge him just by goals and assists, honestly for me it's more about how he works for the team.

“He's the perfect role model and you can only do it every week when you behave professionally.”

Brighton captain Lewis Dunk added: “I'm gutted to see him go off, he's been in top, top form this season. He was ruthless scoring his goal.

“He's one of the top professionals at this football club and a great key to our success. He helps everyone, young and old. Hopefully, his injury is not too bad and we'll have him fighting to get fit.”

The 33-year-old has been enjoying a stunning start to the new campaign.

Welbeck has already netted as many goals in the league this season as he managed in the entirety of last term.

After his strike on Saturday, he now has five - as many as he managed across 29 league games in 2023-24.

In the form of his life, the ex-England ace showed off his finishing with Brighton's first shot of the game.

He chested down Lewis Dunk’s long free-kick forward, playing a one-two with Georginio Rutter, before holding off Tino Livramento and poking home.

It proved to be a frustrating afternoon on home soil for Toon, who lost for the first time at St James' Park since January.

Anthony Gordon and Alexander Isak both came close to snatching a point for Eddie Howe's men.

But heroics from Brighton's stopper Bart Verbruggen saw the points head back to the South Coast.