Arsenal loan goalkeeper Karl Hein returned from injury to rejoin Real Valladolid’s squad over the weekend, though he’s yet to make a comeback appearance.
SEVILLE, SPAIN: Karl Hein of Real Valladolid CF warms up prior to the LaLiga match between Sevilla FC and Real Valladolid CF at Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan on September 24, 2024. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)
Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images
Arsenal loanee Karl Hein has been out of action through injury since the March international break, having suffered an issue with his shoulder whilst away with Estonia.
There was some initial concern that the goalkeeper could be out for the season, and he was expected to miss at least five weeks of action.
But the good news is that the 23-year-old was available to be included in the matchday squad for Real Valladolid against Barcelona over the weekend.
Real Valladolid's Karl Hein catches the ball during the Spanish league football match between FC Barcelona and Real Valladolid FC at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys in Barcelona on August 31, 2024. (Photo by MANAURE QUINTERO/AFP via Getty Images)
Photo by MANAURE QUINTERO/AFP via Getty Images
It may still turn out to be true that Hein doesn’t make any further appearances for his loan club this season. The keeper was only named on the bench for the Barcelona match, having started every other league game he’s been available for this season.
That could just be a case of easing the player back after his injury, but it’s also possible that Valladolid are starting to look to the future after their relegation from La Liga was confirmed during Hein’s absence.
The team have nothing to play for, with no chance of avoiding the drop or even climbing to 19th. Results no longer matter, so the focus will move to preparing the team for next season, when Hein will have left.
VALLADOLID, SPAIN - AUGUST 19: Karl Hein of Real Valladolid warms up prior to the La Liga match between Real Valladolid CF and RCD Espanyol de Barcelona at Jose Zorrilla on August 19, 2024 in Valladolid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images
Hein made 29 appearances in all competitions before his injury, missing just two Copa del Rey fixtures against lower-league opponents. He was clearly the team’s favoured goalkeeper when results mattered, but perhaps not anymore.
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