Folarin Balogun in race to be fit for Arsenal return following AS Monaco injury update

Folarin Balogun is battling with an uncomfortable shoulder injury, his manager at AS Monaco explained, therefore putting at risk his ability to return to Arsenal next week when the two teams meet in the Champions League.

The Gunners may have their focus set on a Premier League meeting with Fulham this coming weekend, though afterwards they switch attentions to the Champions League again. Seeking to consolidate their place in the automatic qualification places, their opponents at the Emirates Stadium are Monaco.

In 2023 both clubs met off-field to negotiate the transfer of Balogun. Up to that point the 23-year-old had made only 10 senior Arsenal appearances and with no guarantee of becoming Mikel Arteta's main striker, he departed for £34m with a 17.5 percent sell-on clause.

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Over in the principality he has scored 11 goals in 42 outings, including three in seven outings this term. Unfortunately his progress has been hindered, missing as many matches as he has played since the season's start with a shoulder problem.

A week before he has the chance to prove himself against his former team, the USMNT striker seems to have aggravated the issue.

"Folarin received a hit on his shoulder. He couldn't finish the training session yesterday because it was painful," Monaco's Adi Hutter told the press on Thursday. "He has had treatment and worked indoors today. We’ll see if he is able to play on Saturday [against Toulouse FC]."

The German also clarified that Balogun has been in pain since last weekend, when he picked up an initial knock on the problematic shoulder.

"Against OM, he got a hit from [Leonardo] Balerdi in the first half and it was a bit painful. Yesterday (Wednesday) there was pain again in the shoulder.

"I hope that it reduces. It is always hard with a player when you feel you are back on track and then injury stops your run. For sure, he is frustrated about this. He worked hard in his treatment and fingers crossed that he can be back on Saturday," said Hutter.

The Ligue 1 side also have concerns for the availability of midfielder Lamine Camara (illness), winger Krepin Diatta (muscle) and midfielder Edan Diop (foot).