Report: Arteta set to name unseen talent on his Arsenal bench vs Tottenham

09/06/2024 02:15 PM

Arsenal’s international break will be spent with one eye on the all-important North London derby that’s up next in the Premier League.

Mikel Arteta finds himself in a bit of sticky position in terms of squad selection for the North London derby, with Declan Rice set to miss out through suspension.

Arsenal lost the midfielder due to a second yellow card for kicking the ball away against Brighton.

So, there’s now a gap to fill in the middle of the park and very little options to pick from.

Jorginho would be the obvious one but he’s not featured at all so far this season, while Arteta has flirted with the idea of dropping Kai Havertz into midfield.

And, there could be one more shock decision for Arsenal fans to digest as one particular youngster could be in line for his debut…

Unseen Arsenal talent set to be named on the substitutes’ bench vs Tottenham

Raheem Sterling could be the man Arteta turns to next week to lead the line for Arsenal after his loan move from Chelsea this summer.

Leandro Trossard is likely to keep his place on the left-hand side with Bukayo Saka on the right.

But, it seems as if one Arsenal youngster is about to be given an incredible opportunity to experience the North London derby up close.

According to Give Me Sport, Oulad M’Hand is in line to be named among the substitutes for the encounter with Tottenham on September 15.

The 21-year-old has been involved in many squads previously but is still waiting on his debut.

Will the youngster get a chance?

Oulad M’Hand is a central midfielder so it makes sense to see him on the bench in Rice’s absence.

But, it’s unlikely that he’ll receive any minutes unless the Gunners are running away with things as it’s not the type of game you’d typically throw a youngster into the mix in.

Experience could be key which is why Jorginho could be looked at as the preferred option either off the bench or to start the game, while Ethan Nwaneri is also waiting for more minutes.

Regardless of whether he plays or not, just being able to soak in the atmosphere and be in and around the first-team for a North London derby clash will give him valuable experience.