Victor Ozhianvuna was injured when he signed for Arsenal last month, but he’s back playing now as the Republic of Ireland reach the knockouts of the u17 World Cup.
Arsenal confirmed the signing of Victor Ozhianvuna from Shamrock Rovers at the start of October, but the player was actually out of action and injured at the time.
Ozhianvuna is currently away with the Republic of Ireland at the u17 World Cup, but he only just returned to fitness in time for the tournament. Before that, he’d been out of action for eight weeks through injury, which includes the day Arsenal announced his transfer.
The relatively short-term nature of the injury means it wouldn’t have been a major concern for Arsenal, especially since the player isn’t set to link up with his new teammates until January 2027 anyway.
Currently 16 years old and an EU citizen, Ozhianvuna isn’t eligible to join the Gunners immediately. He has to wait until he’s 18, which is why he’s still on the books for Shamrock Rovers at the moment.
But with the injury lay-off, the teenager hasn’t actually featured on the pitch for his club since the end of August.
The good news is that things are going well at the u17 World Cup. Ozhianvuna has now made substitute appearances in both games as he builds his match sharpness, and two wins in those two appearances have guaranteed the Republic of Ireland progression to the knockouts.
Ozhianvuna may get another chance on the pitch for the Republic of Ireland against Paraguay on Tuesday. The aim now is to secure top spot in the group with a draw or a win.