Arsenal have trained for the final time ahead of their first match of the Europa League group stage. They are in Switzerland to play FC Zurich, the nation’s current champions, with the hope of kicking off their continental campaign in style.
Arsenal will not play in Zurich, however, due to the club’s stadium being occupied by other events, with Mikel Arteta looking at the opportunity of giving some of his fringe players crucial game time.
Ahead of the game, football.london understands that Matt Smith, Amario Cozier-Duberry, Catalin Cirjan and Lino Sousa were all involved. Smith has been on the bench already this season but he and the aforementioned trio would earn their senior debuts if they play against Zurich.
READ MORE: Emile Smith Rowe and three senior stars miss Arsenal training ahead of FC Zurich clash
Smith, Cozier-Duberry and Cirjan are all midfielders and with injuries to both Mohamed Elneny and Thomas Partey, perhaps it is unsurprising to see the U21 options included. None took part in the under 21s 1-1 draw with Feyenoord last night (Tuesday).
Emile Smith-Rowe and Cedric Soares also missed training. Perhaps more of a reason for Cozier-Duberry and Sousa's opportunities this Wednesday afternoon. Sousa signed for the club in January from West Brom and football.london understands Mikel Arteta has been a long-term admirer throughout his brief Arsenal career so far.
Mehmet Ali has had to deal with losing a large number of his regular starters through both senior inclusion, in the case of Smith, and necessary loan moves. Brooke Norton-Cuffy, Omar Rekik, Mazeed Ogungbo, Charlie Patino, Miguel Azeez, Tim Akinola, Salah-Eddine Oulad M’Hand, Mika Biereth and Marcelo Flores were regulars in Kevin Betsy’s impressive 2021/22 side but are all away from the club this season on loan.
However, these experiences, as well as the young players' possible inclusion tomorrow night in Europe, are what have made the club so successful with youth development, leading to Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith-Rowe and Eddie Nketiah becoming established first-team members.
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