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Albert Sambi Lokonga’s failure to cement a place under Mikel Arteta has seen Arsenal send him out on loan since the start of this year.

After spending the second half of the last season on loan at Crystal Palace, the Gunners let the 24-year-old join Luton Town in the last window. He made two league appearances this season before suffering a hamstring injury at the end of September.

Luton Town will host Arsenal in the league this evening and ahead of this tie, La Dernière Heure had a detailed chat with the midfielder to discuss several topics.

With regards to his recovery, the Belgium international said he aims to return to the pitch later this month.

“No, they are fine [don’t have pain in hamstring]. My strength has returned. I still don’t know how I injured my hamstring. I’m aiming for Manchester City or Bournemouth. It’s getting closer. I’d like to be back before Boxing Day,” he said.

The Arsenal owned player also explained it wasn’t easy for him to handle the setback suffered in September.

His deal at the north London club lasts until 2026 and a decision on his future at Arsenal will be made in the coming months. The Belgian made this claim when asked if he dreams of going to the Euros with Belgium next summer and then returning to Arsenal.

“That’s the ideal scenario [laughs] but let me focus on Luton. The next six months will decide my future at Arsenal and with the national team,” Lokonga explained.

When further quizzed if his dream is to succeed at Arsenal, he said: “I don’t know what my future at the club holds. I feel really good at Arsenal. We’ll see what happens but as long as I’m under contract there, I will always fight to get back into the team. I still have contact with the Arsenal staff.”