Arsenal recall winger from loan spell amid lengthy Bukayo Saka injury absence

Young winger Charles Sagoe Jr has returned to Arsenal after his loan at Shrewsbury Town was cut short because of a lack of playing time.

But Mikel Arteta is unlikely to consider giving the 20-year-old a chance in a hectic January despite him playing in the same position as injured Bukayo Saka.

If Sagoe Jr features for the injury-hit Gunners, who play nine times in January across four competitions, he would be unable to head back out on loan this season because FIFA prohibits players from featuring for three clubs in a single campaign.

Sagoe Jr has made just five starts for Shrewsbury in League One with eight more appearances off the bench. He failed to contribute a single goal or assist.

And Gareth Ainsworth, who became manager in mid-November, had looked set to provide the Hale End graduate with even fewer opportunities as they engage in a daunting battle to survive in the third tier.

Last weekend's defeat away to Leyton Orient leaves Ainsworth's side eight points from safety. They play promotion-chasing Huddersfield this weekend before hosting Wrexham on Thursday week.

"Shrewsbury Town can confirm Charles Sagoe Jr has returned to parent club Arsenal," the club said on Monday.

"We would like to thank Charles for all his hard work over the past five months. The club wishes him and his family the very best of luck for the future."

Arsenal host Newcastle in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final on Tuesday night before hosting Manchester United in the FA Cup third round on Sunday afternoon.

Saturday’s draw at Brighton - albeit with five first-choice players missing from the starting XI because of illness, injury and suspension - meant Arsenal were unable to put the pressure on league leaders Liverpool, who surprisingly dropped points against United.

But defender Riccardo Calafiori insisted on the south coast that it remains far too early to talk about the title race.

“It’s too early for sure,” the Italian said. “I hope it’s the last time we lose two points like this and for sure we have to focus on the next game and try to dominate and to score many goals.

“It’s my first season in the Premier League but you can never predict it. The season is long, we’re ready for everything. We had the feeling that we could have done better, for sure, and we can dominate more after the goal we scored.

“We just have to focus on the next game and not spend so much time thinking about the last game.”

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