Arsenal youngster Marcelo Flores is expected to be part of Mikel Arteta's squad for the Premier League game against Crystal Palace on Monday evening.
The 18-year-old's father, Ruben, tweeted the news on Sunday evening. "So proud and excited with the first call up of Marceo Flores with the first team at Arsenal," he wrote. "Good luck son! You've been preparing all your life for moments like this."
The Gunners could have a fully fit squad for the weekend's final Premier League fixture, with Takehiro Tomiyasu, Aaron Ramsdale and Bukayo Saka all set for late fitness tests.
Arteta's side can return to fourth in the table with a point at Selhurst Park.
Flores is yet to make his senior debut for the Gunners, although he did make his professional bow against Chelsea's U23s in the EFL Trophy last November. The playmaker - who plays down the middle or on either wing - scored Arsenal's only goal in the 4-1 loss.
The teenager has excelled in U18 Premier League this term, scoring six goals and providing two assists in 11 outings. He's also done well in the Premier League 2, finding the back of the net three times and producing one assist in eight appearances.
Despite his age and lack of experience at club level, Flores has picked up his first senior cap for Mexico - coming on in their friendly against Chile last December. He is also eligible to play for England and Canada.
Are you excited to see Marcelo Flores in action? Let us know in the comments below!
Flores joined Ipswich Town's academy in 2016 before moving to Arsenal three years later. "Ever since Marcelo was a little boy he has kicked a ball," Ruben told GOAL. "If I used to go out to work in jeans and a T-shirt, he would just give me a kiss and say goodbye.
"But if I was wearing football gear, he would start asking questions straight away. Then he would just go and get his boots and his ball and before I’d get to the car, he would be there and I’d have to take him with me. He’s just always loved football."
Tomiyasu hasn't played for the Gunners since their narrow 2-1 defeat to Manchester City on New Year's Day due to a calf injury. On his chances of playing against Palace, Arteta said: "I think it will be close. He’s been training more and more.
"He has the boys back now, so he will be joining some sessions this week, and let’s see how it is... because he had a recurring injury, but in the other calf, which was a strange and difficult to predict. He’s been through a lot, in the last two years with all the Covid (and) the amount of games that he’s played.
"The transition to a different league with the intensity - it’s completely different. So we can find the right reasons, and hopefully won’t go through that situation again. Because especially for him it’s been tough.
On Ramsdale, Arteta added: "He wanted to play against Aston Villa but it was a significant injury and he had to take his time. The physios are doing everything they can to make him available but we will see in the next few days when he starts to do more real training."
