Arsenal u18 defender Mark McGuinness is close to recovering from a torn quad muscle, taking part in some training again, according to latest reports.
Arsenal youth expert Jeorge Bird reported the news on Twitter, saying that whilst others were still out, McGuinness is back in light training, which should mean he’ll be back in contention to feature for the youth side before long.
U18 defender Mark McGuinness back in light training after recovering from torn quad muscle. Amaechi,McEneff,Barden,Tormey,Beckford still out
— Jeorge Bird (@jeorgebird) September 10, 2017
This will come as good news for the u18s, as centre-back and captain Zech Medley seems to be pushing for a place with the u23s, which leaves a hole in defence. Marcus McGuane filled in at centre-back against Chelsea recently despite being a midfielder.
As a result, the return of McGuiness can’t come soon enough for the players. He signed a scholarship with Arsenal this summer, but made his debut for the u18s last season in a 3-0 win over Brighton & Hove Albion.
He’s a tall defender who also has the capability to play out from the back and set off attacks. Hopefully he’ll make a full recovery as soon as possible, as the u18 side have only kept one clean sheet in four matches in the current campaign.