It is over two years since Carl Jenkinson last played a game of any description for Arsenal but tonight, having finally made his recovery from a long term injury, the popular right-back will represent the club’s U23 side at home to Southampton.
In the ensuing period since his last game for the Gunners Jenkinson has had two loan spells at West Ham United, the second of which was cut short by an injury that has also delayed his start to this campaign.
The 24-year-old may still have some aspects of his game that require improvement (he can get caught out of position on occasion) but he is highly thought of by many supporters not just because of his affection for the club but also due to his wholehearted displays and frequent bursts forward down the right flank.
Arsenal U23s have been rather vulnerable defensively so far this season, and it is hoped that Jenkinson’s relative experience will provide the young Gunners with some assurance at the back.
Having beaten Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in their previous fixture, Steve Gatting’s side will be hopeful that they can stave off the threat of relegation this campaign, although tonight they are up against a strong Southampton side that contains an Arsenal academy alumni in powerful striker Olufela Olomola, who turned down the offer of a scholarship with the Gunners three years ago.
With Jeff Reine-Adelaide now more heavily involved with the first-team squad, it is time for other exciting talents to be given an opportunity to prove their worth in the U23s and Donyell Malen has been named in the squad for the game against Southampton, with the talented Dutch forward seeking to kick-start his campaign.
There was a considerable amount of hype about Malen last season, with the former Ajax starlet commencing his Arsenal career in spectacular fashion, but so far this campaign he has been mainly restricted to appearances for the U18s.
If he features tonight then Malen will be eager to prove that he should be playing more frequently at this level. Jenkinson, meanwhile, will simply be delighted to be playing at all.
Go get ’em Corporal!
I think Malen along with Willock is our next big thing.
Get em jenko
Anyone know how Dan Crowley’s getting on in his latest loan spell?
I had very, very high hopes of him a couple of years back but he’s kind of fallen off the radar as many young hopefuls unfortunately do.