Kyle Bartley‘s first season with Arsenal will finish just liked it started. with the young defender on the side lines nursing a foot injury.
The summer signing from Bolton had a difficult start to life with the Gunners, after breaking his foot during pre-season training, which ruled him out for the first three months of the season. After a long period of rehabilitation he returned, and the exciting prospect made his debut in October against Portsmouth Under 18s in a 2-0 win.
In the next fixture against Ipswich, he got on the score sheet and it looked like he could become a regular in Steve Bould’s side. However then followed several call ups to the England Under 17’s squad, where after long periods away, breaking back in to the team was difficult.
But Kyle bounced back, and some impressive performances for the Under 18’s led to two starts in the Reserves, where he was brilliant, especially in his marking of Reading’s Leroy Lita is a 1-1 draw. Then a further injury on England duty hampered him again, and it seemed he would miss the end of the season.
Yet again he came back and had started the last 3 Under 18’s games, and helped Bould’s boys win Academy Group A and subsequently book a place in the play offs. However against Fulham on Saturday he left the field injured with a suspected fracture of his foot.
He must now face an agonising wait to see if he will play a part in the forthcoming tour of Italy, or even the friendly against Dorchester United which is scheduled for May 6th. If the foot is broken he will again miss the start of the season, but it is hoped that it is just bruising.
It all adds up to a frustrating and disappointing season for Bartley. There has been some encouraging signs especially on Reserves outings but the injury’s have taken their toll meaning Arsenal’s investment of £950.000 looks like a waste. Kyle will get the opportunity to play regular Reserves football next season, and if he can steer clear of his injury’s and avoid spells on the treatment table, he could become a huge player for the Gunners. Get Well Soon Kyle !
Article By – J.Sanderson
Looks like we have our long-term replacement for Ryan Garry
hahaha, I have never heard anybody say that we needed a replacement for Ryan Garry. It would have been exciting to see how that lad would have turned out if he had not been injured for 3 years. I bet he would be better than Hoyte is.
my gran’s better than hoyte!
Its just so sad that his season is ruined through injury.
Despite having not seen him, I have to say since he joined us, I myself have been pinning my hopes on him for the future of arsenal. From what I have heard of him he is a collosus. We desperately need him to come through to be the “old style” English centre back, which our present first team sorely lacks.
By the way leaving all talk of “future potential” aside,
JEORGE DO YOU REALISTICALLY THINK KYLE WILL BE GOOD ENOUGH TO BE AN ARSENAL PLAYER? I MEAN REALISTICALLY IN THE BLUNT SENSE?
He is a giant strong defender, and his injurys hae just been so dissapointing.
lets hope he can get back fit, and offer us something next season.
I think its a bit harsh to say its money wasted. The boys been unlucky with injuries, but has shown some promise when playing.
Sure, and i wrote
“looks like a waste”
meaning so far it seems a waste, but then i explain that he will get chances.
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Also when both are fit. Who do you think is the better prospect out of Thomas Cruise and Kyle Bartley?
tricky one.
Cruise has play all over, and has impressed me alot this season, his work rate and ability to find goals has been superb.
I would say Bartley… JUST
I rate we keep Cruise just because of his name!