Arsenal defender Carl Jenkinson looking forward to returning to action after three months on the sidelines

After missing out with a back injury since November, the young full-back is hoping to make up for lost time by impressing in a Gunners shirt on his return

14 Feb 2012 16:41:00

By Shane Farrington

More On :  Arsenal FC, Carl Jenkinson
Carl Jenkinson of Arsenal
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Arsenal defender Carl Jenkinson has revealed he is eager to impress on his return to action after missing out on his side's recent run of matches.

The north London side have suffered a drought of full-backs after injuries to the likes of the 20-year-old and Bacary Sagna and thus have been forced to play defenders out of position, with mostly unsuccessful results.

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The former Charlton man has been sidelined since suffering a stress fracture in his back against West Brom on November 5 and despite conceding the injury cost him a number of first-team opportunities, he believes the experience has helped him progress.

"Overall I felt the injury was a shame really because I was really getting into my stride before I got injured," he told Arsenal.com.

"I was gutted about that but I am almost back now and I am just looking forward to showing people what I can do to impress in an Arsenal shirt.

"It's been strange because I got my chance at Charlton because of an injury. The first-choice right back at Charlton at the time was a lot older than me, he got injured and I took my chance.

"Now I've experienced the other side and it has been a bit of a nightmare, knowing I would have probably got an awful lot of chances in that time.

"Every time I pull on an Arsenal shirt it's an honour and to think that I have probably missed out on a good 10 games that I could have played in has just been frustrating. But at the same time it's enabled me to take a step back and watch and learn.

"I have had different experiences with injuries but I am close to fitness now so hopefully the future will be brighter."

Jenkinson joined the Gunners last summer and has made 11 appearances in all competitions for Arsene Wenger’s side.

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