Arsenal: Mikel Arteta forced to consider Champions League debut for 19-year-old
By Kian Long
Arsenal face PSV at home in the opening Champions League group stage match. It’s the first time the Gunners have played in this elite competition in seven years. Given the hard work Mikel Arteta has put in to achieve qualification for this tournament, it’s likely he’s going to take it seriously, meaning his best possible lineup.
Although with one eye on the Spurs fixture at the weekend, rotation could be at the front of Mikel Arteta’s mind.
There is one player who he unfortunately cannot consider for either match and that is Gabriel Martinelli. The Brazil international was subbed off in the most recent Premier League match against Everton, just moments after scoring a disallowed goal. Confirmed as a muscle injury by Mikel Arteta, it’s unlikely he’ll start in the match against PSV tonight.
Mikel Arteta may consider Arsenal debut for Charles Sagoe Jr
Therefore, according to Football London, Mikel Arteta may be forced to consider a debut for the youngster Charles Sagoe Jr. The 19-year-old, who has impressed in the Premier League 2 this season, was called up to train with the first-team, given the injury to Gabriel Martinelli.
Charles Sagoe Jr another player with a standout performance for Arsenal U21’s today. Beat his man countless times, delivered some quality cutbacks and got a goal too. Really intelligent movement throughout pic.twitter.com/PDzI0tIlPF
— Aaron Catterson-Reid (@ReidTheGame) September 3, 2023
Although, the report claims it’s unlikely that Sagoe Jr will start this match. Indeed, he may be a viable option from the bench should the game become comfortably in Arsenal’s grasp.
I have predicted that Leandro Trossard will start this match, as he was the super-sub for the Gunners at the weekend. Certainly, the Belgium international is worthy of a Champions League start.
Who do you think Mikel Arteta will include in his Arsenal starting lineup vs PSV?