Arsenal's Tim Akinola returns from Dundee as he steps up his rehabilitation programme

NIGERIAN-born midfielder Tim Akinola has returned to his parent club Arsenal to work on his recovery after he suffered a serious ankle injury  while out on loan to Dundee United ahead of the start of pre-season training.

Akinola, 21, only got promoted to the Arsenal first team last season by manager Mikel Arteta, who was looking to boost his flagging squad. However, in January, he joined Scottish Premiership side Dundee United in loan for the rest of the season after the club and Arsenal agreed a deadline day deal.

Unfortunately for the midfielder, his season was cut short after he suffered a serious ankle injury whilst training with The Tangerines. As a result, he has now returned to Arsenal and if his recovering goes according to plan, Akinola will be fit to take part in pre-season preparations.

Last month, Akinola had to undergo surgery after Dundee United striker Marc McNulty made a horrendous tackle on him as the players took part in a possession-based drill. In the event that he makes his Premier League debut for Arsenal next season, he would become the third Nigerian-born player to feature for the Gunners in the Premier League after Nwankwo Kanu and Alex Iwobi.