James Olayinka is back at London Colney for treatment on his injury, despite extending his loan with Southend United in January.

On deadline day, Southend United made the decision to extend James Olayinka’s loan spell with them to the end of the season. It wasn’t an easy call to make, with the player picking up an ankle ligament injury sidelining him for four-to-six weeks.

After extending Olayinka’s loan, Southend United reported that they did so after seeing the player’s ‘good progress’ on his recovery so far. However, for the time being, the 20-year-old has returned to Arsenal for further treatment.

Olayinka joins Tyreece John-Jules, who is also back with Arsenal after his injury. The pair of them both expect to go back out and play well before the end of the campaign, but they have to take things step-by-step.

Olayinka made it into the Arsenal first-team squad for the Community Shield in August, but he quickly found himself back with the u23s in September. He completed his loan out to Southend late in the window, making 16 appearances so far (all starts).

He’s scored a few goals, including an excellent solo effort in the FA Cup. His aim now will be to add a few more before May and help his loan side avoid relegation.