Jenkinson: Fit for derby action

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Jenkinson back in Gunners mix

Arsenal could be boosted by the return of defender Carl Jenkinson for Sunday’s North London derby against Tottenham.

The Finland Under-21 international has been hampered by a stress fracture since November, but played 45 minutes for the reserves on Tuesday in a 5-0 drubbing of Norwich.

The 20-year-old could now find himself drafted back into the first-team squad this weekend due to injuries to Per Mertersacker, Francis Coquelin and Sebastien Squillaci.

“Carl was planned to play 45 minutes and also Benik Afobe, so everybody has come through okay,” reserve-team coach Neil Banfield told the club’s official website.

There was, however, less favourable news for striker Marouane Chamakh as the Morocco international is still carrying a toe injury following his return from the Africa Cup of Nations.

“Marouane had a bad toe coming into this one but to be fair to him he wanted to give this game a go. But he could only last for half-an-hour and he had to come off,” added Banfield.

“Marouane will be alright, it is just a bad toe I think at the moment.”