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Arsenal: Carl Jenkinson – Future On The Line
By Henry Payne
He’s a boyhood Arsenal fan, but Carl Jenkinson’s long affiliation with the club could come to a bitter end if he does not impress in the absence of Hector Bellerin.
When news broke that Hector Bellerin would be temporarily sidelined by an ankle injury, Arsenal fans were left quaking in their boots. It meant that Arsenal would do battle against Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain with Carl Jenkinson at right back.
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Fans do not need to be reminded of what happened the last time Carl Jenkinson put on a Gunners’ shirt at Old Trafford, he was just weeks into his career at the Emirates when he was sent-off during the 8-2 drubbing in 2011.
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He was given a hiding by Ashley Young and was sent off after bringing down Javier Hernandez with the Mexican through on goal.
Since then, Jenkinson has improved – and matured – with loan spells at West Ham United, but he will be under the microscope until Bellerin returns to action.
A shaky outing at Manchester United was followed by a more promising performance against PSG, however, he horribly misjudged the flight of the ball for Paris’ second goal.
Jenkinson has come under intense scrutiny since his return to the lineup, however, patience is necessary for him to regain his fitness, his confidence and his form. It took time for Bellerin, Aaron Ramsey and Laurent Koscielny to find their feet in North London – Jenkinson deserves the same opportunity.
There is no doubt that Bellerin is the future at right back after he agreed a new long-term contract, but Carl Jenkinson has a chance to prove that he belongs in this Arsenal squad as solid depth. He also has an opportunity to show Arsene Wenger that he was wrong to pursue Djibril Sidibe during the summer.
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It seems inevitable that Mathieu Debuchy will be departing in 2017 and Carl Jenkinson could join him if he fails to impress over the next few weeks.