Defender Carl Jenkinson made his first Arsenal appearance in two years last night against Reading in the EFL Cup.
Reading’s Callum Harriott in action with Arsenal’s Carl Jenkinson
Arsenal right-back Carl Jenkinson has spoken of his delight to be back in the Arsenal side after two loan spells and a nine-month injury lay-off.
The 24-year-old defender had been a regular in each of his seasons with the Gunners since signing in the summer of 2011. However, after the acquisitions of Calum Chambers and Mathieu Debuchy in 2014, Jenkinson found himself loaned out to West Ham United.
Arsenal’s Calum Chambers celebrates scoring their third goal
And last season’s lengthy absence kept him out for the remainder of his time in East London, meaning he returned to Arsenal injured. Last night’s 2-0 win over Reading was his first appearance for the Gunners in two years and, in an interview with Arsenal’s official website, he talked of his relief to be out on the Emirates pitch once more.
He said: “It felt brilliant. It’s been a long time coming.
“Of course, I was on loan for a couple of years and that was really good for me. But coming back and having nine months out injured has been very tough. So days and nights like tonight make it all worthwhile.”
With Debuchy now out of favour and Chambers out on loan at Middlesbrough, this season could be Jenkinson’s chance to reestablish himself as Hector Bellerin’s deputy.
Tottenham’s Vincent Janssen in action with Middlesbrough’s Calum Chambers
And after a shaky first half hour against the Royals, the England international eased into his stride and defended assuredly for the remainder of the game – promising signs for his first game back.
Arsenal’s Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain with Carl Jenkinson after the game
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