Carl Jenkinson Not Concerned by Arsenal Injury Crisis

Carl Jenkinson is not worrying about the defensive injury crisis that has engulfed Arsenal as he attempts to force his way into the starting line up at West Ham United.

Following the arrivals of Calum Chambers and Mathieu Debuchy at the Emirates Stadium in the summer, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger allowed the former Charlton Athletic youngster to join the Hammers on a season-long loan deal.

With Debuchy confirmed to miss the next three months of action, Nacho Monreal struggling with a back injury and Chambers recovering from tonsillitis, Wenger may be regretting his decision to allow his other defensive option to leave the club on loan.

Ahead of a period of four games in the next 13 days, Wenger and his squad face further tests has but Jenkinson insisted his focus is solely on West Ham and their upcoming visit to Manchester United on Saturday 27 September.

"At the end of the day I can't think too much about Arsenal, I have a job to do here," Jenkinson told London 24. "It has been a frustrating start but I am feeling fit and strong.

"I know Arsenal have a bit of an injury crisis over there at the moment but it was the boss' decision to allow me to go on loan. I think in the long term it will be the best thing for me and the club for sure."

Having overcome his own early season injury concerns, 22-year-old Jenkinson came off the bench to make his first appearance under Sam Allardyce in the 3-1 victory over Liverpool.

"The coaching staff and physios are being careful with me as I was out for six weeks and before the Hull game, I only trained for two days," he said.

"I was out for quite a long time, you cannot just throw someone back in. I don't know whether I will start from now on but my fitness feels good and I will keep working hard but it is the gaffer's decision. I think I am ready to start."