Arsenal midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga joined Luton Town on loan in the final days of the transfer window, but has now been dealt a huge injury blow.
The 23-year-old started well at the Premier League newcomers despite their struggles, which has seen them earn just one point so far, but was withdrawn from their draw with Wolves at the weekend.
It has since emerged that he has picked up a hamstring injury, and is now set to be sidelined for an extended period. After performing well at a side where he was set to start regularly, this could be a huge setback in his development.
Lokonga has now taken to Instagram to confirm his injury, and lamented his frustration at the timing of it.
“I thought it was my time to enjoy playing this beautiful game called football and work hard helping my teammates to reach our goal as a team,” he wrote.
“Unfortunately, an injury came to delay everything. I’ll be focused on my recovery and support the team during that time. See you in a couples of month.”
Lokonga’s frustration
After failing to impress at Arsenal, Lokonga joined Crystal Palace on loan in the second half of last season, where he was initially bright before the sacking of Patrick Vieira meant he lost his spot in the team.
He moved to Luton on loan with the intention of playing regularly, and he looked set to be a key figure in the side. Manager Rob Edwards even described him as “excellent” following his good start at Kenilworth Road.
The Belgium international will now hope that he can slot straight back into the team when he recovers in a few months, and can pick up where he left off. With the European Championships coming up this summer, a strong Premier League campaign may give him an outside shot at a place with his National team.
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