Arsenal suffer another injury scare as young star goes down injured in U19 clash - Reports
Arsenal went through an injury scare on Tuesday night during England under-19 team's clash against their German counterparts, reports TBR Football. The Gunners have already suffered a huge setback during the international break after Martin Odegaard picked up an injury while representing Norway against Austria.
Interestingly, Riccardo Calafiori also picked up a knock during Italy's win over France. While an official confirmation is pending, it is reported that the 22-year-old's situation isn't serious.
The Norwegian, meanwhile, is an indispensable cog in the Arsenal's midfield and his absence could be a big blow for the club. Odegaard is now certain to miss the North London Derby against Tottenham Hotspur this Sunday.
One of the players Mikel Arteta could turn to in the 25-year-old's absence is teenager Ethan Nwaneri, although his lack of experience could be a concern. However, the Englishman gave the Gunners a scare during the game against Germany U19 team on Tuesday, September 10.
Following a coming together with the opposition, the 19-year-old looked rattled. He clutched his stomach and ribs for a while and walked gingerly, before ultimately opting for some treatment.
Thankfully for the north London side, Nwaneri was back on his feet and completed the game without any more hiccups. The 17-year-old also showed why he is so highly rated at the Emirates, scoring one goal and dazzling with the ball at his feet.
Arsenal have big expectations from Nwaneri
Nwaneri rose through the ranks at Arsenal and has impressed for the youth side. The Englishman earned his debut for the north London side in the 2022/23 campaign, coming off the bench against Brentford. In the process, he became the youngest player to feature in the Premier League at the age of 15 years and 181 days.
Last December, Arteta even compared Nwaneri to former Gunners midfielder Jack Wilshere.
“Something unique that he’s got that I really liked from the beginning is his ability to take the ball in tight areas, to escape a little bit like Jack Wilshere used to do. The personality he has, he trains with us like he trains with the under-18s, under-16s. And I love that in a player," said Arteta (via OneFootball).
He continued:
“He’s got that thing between his teeth as well that he wants to show every single day how good he is and impress people. When you have someone like that you have to give him hope as well.”
Nwaneri has appeared twice for the senior Arsenal side to date, but is yet to feature for them this season.