Arsenal Hoping For The Handover Of Olayinka To Southend United Next Week

Arsenal midfielder James Olayinka is expected to return to League Two club Southend United before the end of this month, according to manager of the Seasiders Mark Molesley.

The Anglo-Nigerian starlet has not kicked a ball in a competitive fixture since sustaining a grade two ligament damage on his ankle during the goalless draw at Grimsby Town on January 16.

Olayinka impressed enough to earn a contract extension at Southend United just before the close of the winter transfer market.

Providing an update on Olayinka before his side's meeting with Bolton Wanderers, Molesley told the club's official website : "He is due to come into the building at the back end of next week which is really positive news for us.

"He’s made great strides at Arsenal and they’re hoping for the handover at the end of next week.

"That will be too soon for that game [against Salford] but he will be slowly integrated.

"It’s exciting times knowing that Terrell and James are on the cusp of coming back."

Prior to Olayinka's spell on the sidelines, he appeared in sixteen matches for Southend United, scoring three goals.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel