This was supposed to be a very important season in Daniel Ballard’s development, with the defender having joined Swindon Town on loan in order to gain valuable experience.
However, less than a month into the season, Ballard is reportedly set to return to Arsenal having suffered a knee injury that could rule him out for five months.
The 19-year-old is accustomed to dealing with adversity – he was let go twice by Arsenal before being resigned, while he has the security of a new contract which he signed just a few months ago.
However, this setback is particularly ill-timed for Ballard as he was just starting to experience what life as a professional footballer is like.
Ballard faced a battle to get into the Swindon side – his only starts so far had come in the Carabao Cup and the Leasing.com Trophy.
It was anticipated, though, that as the campaign progressed Ballard would receive further opportunities.
Now, for the first half of the season at least, that won’t be the case, and it remains to be seen whether he will return to Swindon once he is fully recovered or whether the deal could be cut short in January.
With William Saliba having signed and Zech Medley highly rated by the club, Ballard faces many obstacles in his quest to succeed at Arsenal and he has just been dealt another one.
Now all he can do is focus on the long road ahead as he looks to get back fit and salvage something from this season.
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Jeorge Bird is the author of www.arsenalyouth.wordpress.com Follow him on Twitter @jeorgebird
Gutted for Daniel Ballard. He was brilliant last season and has massively improved in all areas of his game.
I’m confident that he will show ever bit of that determination in order to get back to fitness and one day play along side William Saliba in the Arsenal first team back line.
Best of luck in your recovery Danny!!!
My heart goes out to him. First step in a journey and he suffers a serious injury. Let’s hope he stays focussed and returns to fulfill his potential.
Such a shame for him but these things happen. I hope he focuses on the future and getting fit rather than dwell on the disappointment.
We should see if they will take Medley instead!
Or Mustafi.
Really tough when this happens. The lad is obviously a good player simply because he has been given a professional contract with a top tier Premiership side. We have all seen this story many times before, talent shining through but needing polished, a trip to a lower league where the player shows promise plenty only to have it cut short due to an injury that can be picked up literally running down the stairs and twisting on the landing to the next flight. I know from personal experience, I stuffed my medial meniscus slipping off of a gate! The poor… Read more »