The reason Nigerian-born midfielder did not train with Arsenal on Thursday

Published: July 09, 2021

Arsenal U18, U23 and first teams have started pre-season preparations ahead of the 2021-2022 campaign.

Tim Akinola was conspicuously absent from the training sessions held by the U23 and first-team squads on Thursday, and allnigeriasoccer.com can reveal that it has nothing to do with speculation linking him with a loan move in the summer transfer window.

This website understands that the Nigerian-born midfielder did not attend the workout because he is still nursing a groin injury he suffered since May 2021.

Barring a relapse, Akinola is hoping to join his Arsenal teammates in training sometime next week.

The 20-year-old has entered the final year of his contract though the Gunners hold a club option for an additional two seasons, so has to impress the coaching staff in the new season, be it at Arsenal or a loan club.

One of the undroppable players in the Arsenal U21 and U23 sides in 2020-2021, Akinola was included in every matchday squad with the exception of the 2-2 draw at West Ham on the final day of the season.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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