Dan Crowley’s loan has reportedly been cut short by Barnsley, just as Arsène Wenger’s midfield options have become increasingly depleted.

According to the Daily Mirror, Crowley has been sent back to London after failing to make enough of an impression in League One. Only a few months ago, Barnsley manager Lee Johnson called Crowley the best player in the entire division but has more recently criticised his application.

After a promising first few weeks in Yorkshire, Crowley has featured far less and is probably best served returning to London Colney rather than staying out on loan where he clearly isn’t wanted.

He may even get first team opportunities, with Arsène Wenger’s midfield options becoming thinner. The Frenchman lost Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Theo Walcott to injury on Tuesday night as Arsenal lost to Sheffield Wednesday.

Danny Welbeck, Jack Wilshere, Aaron Ramsey and Tomas Rosicky were already out injured, so Joel Campbell or Alex Iwobi could be given the chance to start at Swansea this weekend.

In that case, why not Crowley? The midfielder has been deemed not ready by Barnsley, but a club struggling in League One looking to him to deliver inspiring performances is hardly the platform an 18-year-old playing professionally for the first time.

Crowley is a good dribbler and excellent technically, so there’s no reason he can’t play right midfield for Arsenal. It may be asking a lot of him, but are options are limited at the moment and the England youth international may just be the best available player for the side.