Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is no stranger to introducing young players to his first-team squad and ahead of facing Lille in Europe this week, he’s at it again.
Arteta has already overseen the introduction of Myles Lewis-Skelly, Max Dowman and Ethan Nwaneri into the Arsenal squad, while Marli Salmon is another who is progressing nicely this season as well.
With so much competition for places and games coming thick and fast – not to mention recent injuries to Piero Hincapie and Martin Zubimendi – there are chances within the squad for young players to make their case.
Now, ahead of facing Lille, Arteta has once again called up a fresh batch of youngsters.
Mikel Arteta and Arsene Wenger
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Arsenal call up three youngsters but only one is eligible to face Lille
Mikel Arteta has done this a lot over his time with Arsenal. He is not averse at all to throwing in young players, whether that simply be into training or into the first-team squad altogether.
Ahead of facing Lille this week, the trio of Ife Ibrahim, James Scanlon and Demiane Agustien have all been given a chance to impress.
Arsenal youth expert Jorge Bird has shared the news, explaining that the trio took part in the full training session for the Gunners, while another few young players were added into certain sections of the session.
Crucially though, only Ibrahim is eligible to actually play in the fixture if Arteta wanted him involved. He is named on Arsenal’s B list, meaning he can be called upon.
Scanlon and Agustien, meanwhile, are not yet eligible to play due to their time at the club so far.
After last season’s exploits in Europe, Arsenal fans are expecting another good run at the trophy this season. And much like last term, we can expect to see the young players at Arsenal contribute a lot.