After Max Dowman, Mikel Arteta considers unleashing another Arsenal youth star vs Club Brugge
Arsenal’s academy is starting to produce some of the finest young talents in Europe, with Max Dowman quite possibly the brightest star to emerge from Hale End.
But Marli Salmon is the next emerging talent from Arsenal’s ranks, and he could be given his Champions League debut against Club Brugge.
Arsenal fans are keen for ‘the kids’ to play against Brugge following the team’s first defeat in 18 matches against Aston Villa on the weekend.
Fatigue seems to be creeping into the group at Arsenal, meaning Mikel Arteta might need to field a new-looking Gunners team in Belgium.
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Arsenal are deciding whether to include Marli Salmon vs Club Brugge
Arsenal are deciding whether to include Salmon and Max Dowman in the first-team squad to face Club Brugge, according to Jeorge Bird.
Dowman missed training ahead of Bayern Munich and was instead included in the UEFA Youth League team, which beat the German club’s U-19s team.
Two weeks ago, Dowman scored twice against Bayern’s youth team, which included a stunner in stoppage time as he beat three defenders to find the back of the net.
Is it too soon to rush Marli Salmon into first-team action?
Should the 16-year-old feature vs Brugge? Let us know in the comments…
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The 15-year-old could now return to the first-team squad to face Brugge, and he could be joined by fellow teenager, Salmon.
During pre-season, Salmon was spotted with Arsenal’s first team, highlighting just how highly regarded he is by the North London club.
Unlike Dowman, he is yet to make his first senior appearance, but that could now change in the game against Brugge.
Injuries to Gabriel Magalhaes, William Saliba and Cristhian Mosquera could mean that Salmon is used to rest Arsenal’s remaining two options.
Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri must form Arsenal’s midfield
Two players Arteta has to play in midfield against Brugge are Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri.
Both teenagers have been struggling for game time in N5 this season, and this match presents Arteta with the perfect chance to start them both.
How many changes should Mikel Arteta make to the starting XI against Club Brugge?
With Arsenal players looking leggy against Aston Villa, is it time for Arteta to ring the changes vs Brugge?
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If you were Mikel Arteta, what Arsenal team are you fielding against Club Brugge? Let us know your selection in the comments…
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Following Martin Odegaard and Eberechi Eze’s poor performances against Villa, now could be the time for Nwaneri to stake his claim in the team.
At left-back, Riccardo Calafiori is suspended against Wolves; therefore, he should start in defence, and Lewis-Skelly moved into the number eight role.
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