Arsenal have entered their winter break following the pause to the season due to the World Cup that is set to begin in Qatar on November 20. The first-team squad who are not participating in the international tournament will have ten days off before reporting back to north London for a winter camp ahead of the Premier League restart.
The Gunners have ten players away on international duty, meaning that there is space for youngsters in the Hale End academy to impress Mikel Arteta before the rest of the squad returns. Arteta has already used youngsters in training sessions throughout the early months of the season.
Arsenal have confirmed they will be joining fellow Premier League side Liverpool in the upcoming Dubai Super Cup in December as part of their preparations for a return to club action, meaning there is a chance for players to impress outside of training. football.london looks at five youth prospects who could impress Arteta during the Gunners’ winter camp.
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Matt Smith
Matt Smith has been a stand-out performer for the Gunners in the under-21s this season. The midfielder has been tasked with playing in the No.6 role, similar to how Thomas Partey is utilised in Mikel Arteta’s midfield. And he certainly replicated the influence of the Ghanaian for the young Gunners.
With Arsenal short in the midfield department after no additional signings in this area following Fabio Vieira's arrival, it comes as no surprise that Smith has been involved with the first team in training recently. The young midfielder has already featured on the bench for the Gunners this season.
The youngster has not yet made an appearance for Arsenal, but with Partey’s participation with Ghana at the World Cup, there is a spot in the midfield for when the Gunners take part in the Dubai Super Cup, which Smith could utilise.
Lino Sousa
Lino Sousa has been particularly impressive for the young Gunners down the left-hand side this season. He isn’t afraid to receive the ball and is a constant threat when in attack, as well as a defensive presence for Arsenal.
He has shown that he is ready for first-team football on a physical and technical level with his dominant performances in the Papa John’s Trophy this season, as the Gunners have played against senior sides and progressed from their group and into the knockout stages. He is already highly rated by the Arsenal hierarchy, as this was proven when Sousa travelled with the squad to Switzerland to gain senior experience ahead of Arsenal's first Europa League game of the season against FC Zurich.
With both Takehiro Tomiasyu and Ben White participating in the World Cup, it means that there is space in the full-back positions. This opens up an opportunity for Sousa to impress at Arsenal’s winter camp.
Khayon Edwards
Last season, Edwards scored 16 goals in as many Under-18 Premier League games as well as chipping in with five assists. In addition, he made an impact for the U23s with goal at that level in a 1-1 draw with West Ham United in January.
It was due to this that he was given first-team recognition in this campaign as the striker was named on the substitutes' bench for Arsenal’s Europa League clash against FK Bodo/Glimt in October.
With Gabriel Jesus away with Brazil at the World Cup, it means that an additional striker will be needed to support Eddie Nketiah at the Dubai Super Cup. Considering that Edwards is already on Mikel Arteta’s radar, the youngster could have a chance to impress during the Gunners’ winter camp.
Amario Cozier-Duberry
In June, Cozier-Duberry signed his first professional deal with the club. The midfielder joined the youth setup in September 2019 and shone in the youth side, leading to the contract. He made 20 appearances for the Arsenal U18s side last season - where he scored four goals and provided as many assists in a stellar campaign.
This led to his promotion to the under-23s where he has also impressed. This also saw him train with the first team this season during Arsenal’s Europa League preparations.
With both Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli participating at the World Cup, and Emile Smith Rowe still out with injury, it means that there is space in the wide areas. Cozier-Duberry has been impressive in this position throughout the early months of the campaign, and he could be given a chance to impress during Arsenal’s winter camp.
Zach Awe
Awe has featured in 11 Premier League under 21 games for the Gunners this season and has played in two EFL trophy matches. He has been a key part of the defence who are yet to lose in the division so far this campaign.
The defender has already caught the eye of Mikel Arteta having been named on the substitutes' bench against Wolves last season, and been called up to train with the first team during this campaign.
He is yet to make a first-team appearance, but this could change during Arsenal’s winter camp. William Saliba has travelled with France to Qatar, meaning there is space at the heart of the defence, which Awe could help to fill.
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