It has been a somewhat frustrating pre-season for Arsenal U21s, with the team, under the interim charge of Max Porter, having failed to win any of their friendlies so far.
With a host of players having departed in the summer and many others having been with the first-team in Asia, Porter has had to operate with limited resources at times, with players from the U18s being called upon to add depth to the squad.
As the season edges closer it seems likely that more regular players will be available for the U21s, including the likes of Josh Nichols, Ismeal Kabia, Louie Copley and Andre Harriman-Annous.
Nichols and Kabia are at the stage of their development where a loan spell could be beneficial to them, but they could still play some matches for the U21s before the transfer window closes.
Harriman-Annous is likely to be the club’s main striker at U21 level even though he is still eligible for the U18s. Arsenal can also call upon Daniel Oyetunde and Louis Zecevic John but have been trying to bring in another forward for the U21 squad.
Copley, meanwhile, could have a key part to play for the U21s and provides a useful link between defence and attack.
Max Dowman and Marli Salmon are continuing to train with the first-team squad but could play some matches at U21 level this season.
There is one friendly remaining for the U21s against Monaco II this weekend before the new Premier League 2 season gets underway at home to Fulham on August 15th. It remains to be seen whether a decision on the identity of the club’s new U21 coach will have been made by then.
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Jeorge Bird is the author of www.arsenalyouth.wordpress.com Follow him on Twitter @jeorgebird