Carl Jenkinson has returned to Arsenal after picking up a cruciate knee ligament injury that has ended his season.

The injury, which puts an end to his loan spell at West Ham, could also affect Arsenal’s plans as it was widely believed that Jenks would return to Arsenal in the summer to replace want-away right-back Mathieu Debuchy.

Arsenal were looking to off-load Debuchy on a permanent basis while the Frenchman was said to be only keen on a loan initially.

Arsenal's French forward Olivier Giroud (R) and Carl Jenkinson watch the NBA Global Game London 2016 basketball match between Orlando Magic and Toronto Raptors at the O2 Arena in London on January 14, 2016. AFP PHOTO / GLYN KIRK / AFP
Arsenal’s French forward Olivier Giroud (R) and Carl Jenkinson watch the NBA Global Game London 2016 basketball match between Orlando Magic and Toronto Raptors at the O2 Arena in London on January 14, 2016. AFP PHOTO / GLYN KIRK / AFP

The Corporal will undergo surgery in the next few days after meeting with specialists on Tuesday. He will then return to Arsenal so that he can continue his recovery.

Jenks enjoyed an impressive first season with the Hammers but even though he has struggled under Slaven Bilic, he has still managed to score two goals in 20 Premier League games this season (let’s not focus on his defending too much).