Former Gunner returns from injury with hat-trick | OneFootball

Former Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun finally returned from injury in a friendly over the international break, scoring a hat-trick against Brighton’s u23s.

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Former Gunner Folarin Balogun has had a tough time of it this season, playing just 10 times in all competitions due to a couple of shoulder injuries.

The second injury came at a particularly frustrating time, robbing the striker of the chance to play in Monaco’s match at the Emirates Stadium in December.

The 23-year-old could only watch from the sidelines as Monaco brought in another former Arsenal striker in Mika Biereth during the January transfer window. Biereth has scored 11 goals in Balogun’s absence, casting doubt on which player will start when both are fit.

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There was finally some good news this week, as Balogun returned to match action in a Monaco youth friendly against Brighton’s u23 side on Tuesday.

Balogun only played the first 45 minutes of the match, but he scored a rapid-fire hat-trick in what was ultimately a 3-2 win.

It’s not the first time Balogun has scored a hat-trick against the Brighton u23s, as he did so in a Premier League 2 match for Arsenal in 2021. In all, Balogun scored or assisted eight goals in five games against Brighton, more than he managed against any other u23 team.

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GFFN report that Monaco boss Adi Hutter has suggested Balogun could make his first-team return against OGC Nice on Saturday. He’ll be keen to make an impact in the derby match and add to his total of three senior goals this campaign.