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Jenkinson - Ox’s return is such a boost

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Carl Jenkinson
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Carl Jenkinson

Carl Jenkinson says Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s return to full training has given the whole Arsenal squad a big boost.

Coming just two days after Theo Walcott was ruled out for the rest of the season, Arsene Wenger was handed some good news with the return of the 20-year-old.

"To have him back in and around the group is a boost for everyone - he's only young but he's a key member of the squad"

Carl Jenkinson

Oxlade-Chamberlain had been sidelined for five months with a knee injury, and Jenkinson says having him available will be a major benefit for the rest of the season.

“It has been tough for him,” he told Arsenal.com. “Chambo is a very positive guy in general, he's great to be around and that's why we get on so well and why we're such good friends.

“But I could notice when he was out that it was tough for him at times. With the first little spell, maybe you can get through it, but it's a long injury that he had and when you've been out for three or four months it can be tough mentally.

"But Chambo has got good people around him who have helped him through it and it's great to have him back.

“He's a really good friend of mine but football-wise, he's a fantastic player who brings an awful lot to the team. To have him back in and around the group is a boost for everyone - he's only young but he's a key member of the squad.”