Mikel Arteta led out his players for the final training session before the side heads off to play PSV in their penultimate Europa League fixture. If the Gunners are able to take a point from the match it would guarantee them top spot and therefore avoid the Round of 32 against a Champions League dropout.
Despite the importance of the game, Arsenal could still make several changes to the team and yet again Arteta has called up a number of youth players for training. The Spaniard has given opportunities to the likes of Ethan Nwaneri and Marquinhos who both began the season in the Gunners' youth sides.
The latter was not present for the training session growing concern over the Brazilian’s fitness and Nwaneri is away with the England under-17s. Midfielders Matt Smith, Catalin Cirjan and Brandley Ibrahim were however present once again with all three being involved in the last couple sessions.
READ MORE: Arsenal Europa League star misses training ahead of PSV amid Oleksandr Zinchenko update
Smith has become a regular part of first-team training but maintained playing time with the under-21s, scoring a penalty to take all three points and send Ali Mehmet’s side top of the PL2. Should the final group game at home to FC Zurich become effectively a dead rubber for Arsenal Smith is certainly in line to have a chance to make his debut.
Ibrahim is a defensive midfielder who would be in competition with Thomas Partey if he was to make it into the first team. Arteta has been impressed enough to keep the newly turned 18-year-old with the senior group, even training ahead of Premier League fixtures.
Meanwhile, Cîrjan again is another regular trainer with the senior side. He has been on the bench for three of the four group games so far. He returned to full fitness this season having missed all of the previous season with a serious knee injury.
Although it is unlikely any of the three will start, they will be hoping the Gunners come home avoiding defeat to give them a big boost of making their debut next week. Worth noting the likes of Khayon Edwards, Amario Cozier-Duberry and Maldini Zacurri have also all trained with the senior side but were not present today.
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