MIKEL ARTETA has brought two youth defenders into first-team training amid an injury crisis.
Kieran Tierney and Sead Kolasinac are both out of today’s clash against Sheffield United – handing Tolaji Bola and Tobi Omole a chance to impress.
Omole, 20, played for the Under-23s last night making it unlikely he will be in the squad today but 21-year-old Bola was rested and may appear on the bench.
Arteta is struggling at full-back with Hector Bellerin struggling and is trying to secure a deal for Layvin Kurzawa, which is likely to be a summer move.
In the mean time, he may be forced to turn to youngsters and England youth international Bola may be called upon.
Versatile Bukayo Saka is another option for Arteta as he bids to close the gap to the top four.
Arteta is set to hand Reiss Nelson a start in place of suspended Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
And the challenged the youngster to prove he has the desire to reach the top.
He said: I know Reiss well straightaway he caught my eye. He is a boy that is willing to learn and loves the game.
But I think he has been a bit confused in the last few years with some of the decisions he has made and the direction he has taken.
He needs guidance and a little bit of the stick and he is up for that.
It was the right move for him to go on loan last season but I was expecting a little more from him and he needs to take responsibility for that.
Because he was that good when he was young, everything was too easy for him.
Now the picture for Reiss is very clear. He has made the changes much quicker than I thought he would and that is why he has been playing.
If he wants to play for this club every three days he has to be almost perfect from the moment he steps in.
At the moment I see the right attitude and desire. He knows what he wants, he knows what we want and now I trust him and think he can deliver.
