Arsenal receive good news on Nigeria-eligible striker after substitution on Young Lions duty

Arsenal have received welcome news on the fitness of Folarin Balogun ahead of the resumption of English Premier League and Premier League 2 matches with England U21 boss Lee Carsley revealing that the Anglo-American-Nigerian striker did not suffer an injury while on international duty on Tuesday, November 16.

Making his second consecutive start for England U21s, Balogun had to be replaced in the 36th minute due to discomfort.

Arsenal fans originally feared the worst after he was hooked off against Georgia but manager Carsley has explained that his number nine was taken off as a precaution.

Though Balogun has made a big impression for Arsenal U23s in this season's Premier League 2, his first-team chances have been few and far between with the likes of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette ahead of him in the pecking order of center forwards at the Emirates.

In quotes relayed by Football. London, Carsley said : "He had stomach cramps and he was struggling in the first half so we made a change.

"He's not injured, he's just got a stomach bug. I'm not sure [what caused it]."

Balogun has not tasted action for Arsenal in the Premier League since August 22 when he played the last eleven minutes against Chelsea.

The Gunners are sitting fifth in the table with 20 points from eleven matches ahead of their trip to Liverpool.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel