It's an exciting time for the Arsenal academy right now. The Gunners youth system was thrown into the spotlight once again as Ethan Nwaneri became the youngest player in Premier League history at the age of just 15 years and 181 days after coming on in the final minutes of their 3-0 win over Brentford.
Speaking after the game Mikel Arteta revealed it had been done with the intention of sending a message to the Hale End stars of tomorrow. "That we want to give opportunities when there is talent, when there is personality and when there are players who love what they do so much and when they have no fear," he said after the game. "The doors are open to explore where they can go."
With that in mind Nwaneri isn't the only youngster in line to be given a chance in the first team. Historically Arsenal have looked to use the Europa League group stage games to blood in youngsters like Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe and Eddie Nketiah, and this season is no different. Ahead of Thursday night's clash with Bodo/Glimt at the Emirates, football.london takes a look at some of the youngsters in line to make the squad.
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Karl Hein
Estonian international Karl Hein is someone who is well known to most Arsenal fans at this point. After a promising loan spell at Reading was cut short by a freak injury last season, the Gunners made the decision to keep him around as their third choice this year.
With Europa League benches tending to have two keepers on them you can expect to see the 20-year-old alongside Aaron Ramsdale on the subs bench, with Matt Turner set to start.
Reuell Walters
Reuell Walters turned plenty of heads with his impressive performances in pre-season against Nurnberg in particular which were enough to see him invited on Arsenal's tour of the USA. Unfortunately for him he picked up an injury that has ruled him out since the summer period.
He is back now though and has been training regularly with Mikel Arteta's first team. The eagle eyed among you would have noticed that he is not currently on their Europa League squad list, but UEFA rules stipulate that clubs may register an unlimited number of players on their B list. As Walters is only 17 he could be added to that list. With Cedric out the youngster could even be in line for a place in the starting XI, but a place among the subs could be in the offing for him.
Matt Smith
Many of you will remember Matt Smith from the bench of Arsenal's FA Cup success in 2020. Since then he has had consecutive loan spells in League One with Charlton, Swindon and Doncaster, but is back with the Gunners this season.
He is playing regularly now for Mehmet Ali's under-21 side and was included on the bench yet again for the previous group stage match against FC Zurich. With Mohamed Elneny out injured expect to see the 21-year-old make an appearance on the bench.
Catalin Cirjan
Catalin Cirjan was considered by Mikel Arteta to be among the most exciting young players in the Arsenal academy when he first took over, but sadly multiple knee injuries intervened to rule the Romanian out for 15 months.
Now though he is back playing with the 21s and Arteta was keen to reward his return to fitness with a place on the bench against Zurich last month. You can expect him to be among the subs again.
Ethan Nwaneri
If you don't know who Ethan Nwaneri is at this point, you must have been living under a rock!
The 15-year-old is another who isn't on the B list, but could be added to the squad if needs be. He was in the under-18s over the weekend which might suggest that Arsenal are trying to manage his ascension carefully instead of throwing him to the wolves straight away. If Arteta wants to give Odegaard a rest though, then seeing him on the bench is certainly possible.
Amario Cozier-Duberry
Another 17-year-old on this list, Amario Cozier-Duberry has really been impressing for the under-21s. Capable of playing either as an eight or on the wings, his close control is one of the most exciting parts about this young player.
He was another on the bench in Zurich but didn't get a chance to come on. After Emile Smith Rowe's long-term absence was confirmed Arsenal are a little short in the wide areas, and we could see Cozier-Duberry given a chance if the circumstances are right.
Marquinhos
One player who you can almost guarantee will be starting on Thursday is Marquinhos. Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka both need a rest so this feels like the perfect time to play him again.
With a goal and an assist against FC Zurich the Brazilian more than took his chance last time out. This will be his first appearance in front of the Emirates crowd and he'll be keen to cap it with another fine display.
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