Charlie Patino is closing in on a return to action with Blackpool FC, with manager Michael Appleton putting a timeframe on the loanee’s recovery.

Arsenal youngster Charlie Patino is currently on loan with Blackpool, and he picked up an injury rolling his ankle during a game away to QPR earlier this month.

Though Michael Appleton had initially warned that the injury didn’t look great, the updates have been a lot more positive since then.

Appleton confirmed in mid-August that the absence would be around four weeks, rather than months. Now, he claims Patino is around 10 days away.

“Charlie’s probably about 10 days away and then Keshi is probably maybe three weeks,” Appleton said.

“I think it’s one of those where we’ve got four games between now and the international break.

“I think if we can get the likes of Charlie, Garbs as I said is training, and get Keshi close to coming back near that international break or during that – maybe one or two out of contracts (signing), then all of a sudden coming back after that the squad looks a little bit healthier in terms of numbers.”

Patino had impressed in his early cameos before the injury, making a couple of positive Championship substitute appearances and winning the Man of the Match award on his first League Cup start.

Things appeared to be going well on his first Championship start as well, until the injury.

Blackpool’s away trip to Rotherham United on September 14th looks like Patino’s first real opportunity for a squad appearance. With Brooke Norton-Cuffy likely playing for the opposition, it would be good to see the midfielder back in action that day.