It has been a season of frustration for Daniel Ballard, with the defender’s loan spell at Swindon Town having been cut short by a serious knee injury.
After working extremely hard during his recovery, Ballard, 20, is now nearing a return to action and is already back in light training.
Ballard will inevitably take some time to build up his match fitness having been out for several weeks, but it will be intriguing to see what lies in store for him when he is back available.
The centre-back, who has previously been called up by Northern Ireland at senior level, is undoubtedly one of Arsenal’s best defensive prospects, but it seems unlikely that he will be thrown into first-team action this season as he looks to build up his sharpness.
Another loan spell, perhaps a return to Swindon, is an option, but the most likely scenario would seem to encompass Ballard remaining with Arsenal’s U23 side for the rest of the season and then training with the senior squad on some occasions.
In the summer a decision can then be made on Ballard’s future and it is certainly possible that he could be involved with the senior squad in pre-season.
At present, and regardless of what will come next for him, Ballard will simply be delighted that his injury nightmare is nearing an end.
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Jeorge Bird is the author of www.arsenalyouth.wordpress.com Follow him on Twitter @jeorgebird
Hi Jeorge,
This is not regarding an Arsenal Youth Prospect, but how would you rate Axel Tuanzebe from Manchester United. He played against us this season when we faced Man Utd, did see a good defender in him. Got to know he was captain for almost all the Man Utd reserve matches. I could only watch one or two games live when he featured, but did see a mentally strong defender and was verbal too.
My question here is would you take someone like him at Arsenal over our senior squad players.
I think he’s a very good player and would be a good option.
That’s fantastic news!
Who is he?