Arsenal youth winger Joel Ideho has been out of action in recent matches with an ankle injury, but he’s now nearing a return to the pitch.

All Nigeria Soccer confirmed over the weekend that Joel Ideho’s recent absence from Arsenal u21 action has been due to an ankle injury sustained in training.

The 19-year-old last played for Arsenal against the Crystal Palace u21s on March 17th, but he reportedly suffered the ankle setback just a few days after that.

Ideho then missed matches against Blackburn Rovers, Manchester United, and Fulham, with ANS reporting that he was expected to return to training this week.

Arsenal face Brighton and Hove Albion on Friday night, and it’s possible the Dutch youngster will return to the squad for the game.

Even if he doesn’t quite make it back in time for that match, it seems he’s now on the verge of a comeback.

Ideho had made himself a starter leading up to his injury, making the starting lineup in five consecutive fixtures in all competitions – his longest run in the team all season.

The former Ajax youngster has six goals for Arsenal in all competitions this season, and u21 boss Mehmet Ali will hope he can add to that when he’s back in the team.

The young Gunners have struggled to score in recent months, netting just seven times in 11 league games in 2023. By contrast, the first team have scored 10 in their last three league matches.

Loaning out so many forwards and suffering injuries to many of those who remained has certainly hurt Ali’s side, but the return of Khayon Edwards and Ideho should help.