Some youngsters never seem to have any luck on the injury front, with Ben Cottrell amongst those to have suffered the most in that regard.
The midfielder made his competitive senior debut for Arsenal against Dundalk in the Europa League in 2020 but hasn’t featured since, mainly because of injury.
Last season Cottrell made a brief comeback only to suffer another setback, and the same fate befell him in pre-season.
The 21-year-old recently returned to action again for the U21s and is eager to make the most of whatever opportunities he is afforded.
Cottrell is an impressive passer and has excellent technique, while he is also very hard working.
Given how much game time he has missed out on, Cottrell’s chances of succeeding at Arsenal have reduced massively and there is also much competition for places in midfield in the U21 team.
It remains to be seen whether Cottrell will be fit enough to go out on loan for the first time in this transfer window, but for now he will be focused on helping the U21s, who are back in action tomorrow with an away game against Blackburn Rovers.
Next season should see Cottrell receive his first real exposure to senior football, perhaps via a loan spell. At present, though, he is simply pleased to be playing again at any level following his injury nightmare.
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Jeorge Bird is the author of www.arsenalyouth.wordpress.com Follow him on Twitter @jeorgebird
It must be particularly tough on young players who are constantly injured. Not only extremely frustrating being sidelined but also the knowledge that other players may be moving ahead of them in their absence. Let’s hope he has a good, injury-free, run now
Proper talent ! Let’s hope all goes well for him from here on in !