Arsenal's Nigerian-born midfielder nearing a return to full fitness

Allnigeriasoccer.com understands that Nigerian-born midfielder Tim Akinola is nearing a return to full fitness.

Akinola has not figured for the Gunners development squad so far in their friendly games ahead of the forthcoming season as the coaches do not want to rush him back into action after recovering from a serious ankle injury he suffered during a loan spell at Dundee United in the second half of last season.

But there is light at the end of the tunnel as Akinola has resumed training with his U21 teammates and was named in the traveling squad to Scotland for a training camp.

Arsenal first team boss Mikel Arteta rates him highly, with the Spaniard often inviting him to train with the senior squad in the first half of last season and gave him a runout in a friendly against Brentford in September 2021.

Arsenal are pleased with Akinola's development over the past two seasons since his arrival from Huddersfield Town, as evidenced by the fact that his contract was extended for two more years this summer.

The 2001-born player has totaled 34 appearances for Arsenal in the Premier League 2, scoring one goal.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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