Mikel Arteta could give Andre Harriman-Annous his Champions League debut when Arsenal take on Slavia Prague on Tuesday evening.
The Gunners will be looking to make it four wins from four in Europe’s prestigious competition this season, having already dispatched Athletic Club, Olympiacos and Atletico Madrid this term.
With difficult clashes against Bayern Munich and Inter Milan to come for Arteta’s side in the League Phase, it’s imperative that they pick up all three points in the Czech capital.
That said, the Spaniard may have to field something of an unconventional side that includes some Hale End youngsters, due to the growing injury crisis at Sohba Realty.
Andre Harriman-Annous could feature for Arsenal against Slavia Prague
Harriman-Annous made his senior Arsenal debut last week against Brighton in the League Cup, and he could be about to follow that up with his second appearance much sooner than he’d have anticipated.
The 17-year-old played 77 minutes up front for the Gunners against the Seagulls, showing some positive attributes in the process.
However, he didn’t quite take the game by storm to the extent that he’s forced himself to be considered as a genuine option in league and European games moving forward.
That said, anything can happen in football, and an unprecedented injury crisis could grant him another opportunity, this time in the Champions League.
Viktor Gyokeres was forced off with an injury against Burnley at the weekend, and the Swede wasn’t in training on Monday morning, while Harriman-Annous was.
Meanwhile, Gabriel Martinelli is a doubt, Martin Zubimendi is suspended, and the likes of Noni Madueke, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus and Martin Odegaard remain unavailable due to injury.
Zubimendi’s absence likely means that Mikel Merino will be required in midfield, ruling him out as a striker option, meaning Harriman-Annous may be in contention to earn some minutes up front.
Leandro Trossard may get the nod from the start, but the teenager will be a genuine option off the bench.
What can Andre Harriman-Annous bring to Arsenal’s attack?
Judging on his performance against Brighton, Harriman-Annous is understandably still raw.
While he struggled somewhat with the physicality of the south coast side’s two centre-backs, he demonstrated some impressive skills that he does have.
A willing runner into channels, the youngster consistently made quick darts into wide areas, which gave the Gunners an out-ball throughout.
His movement was sharp and effective, and he was ultimately unfortunate not to be found in dangerous areas by his teammates more frequently.
Having scored 13 goals in just 17 appearances for Arsenal’s under-18s last season, it’s clear that he can be a ruthless finisher if presented with good chances, and thus, Arteta’s team will want to try and find him in behind when they can, if he plays against Slavia Prague.
Declan Rice waxed lyrical about Harriman-Annous this week, so it’s evident that he’s a highly-rated individual within the North London club.
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