Why James Sweet was included in Arsenal squad vs Burnley ahead of two other youngsters

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Arsenal named an unchanged starting XI for their trip to Burnley today, but there were several changes on the bench.

Emile Smith Rowe returned from injury to join the squad, but there was still no return for Takehiro Tomiyasu or Gabriel Jesus.

Smith Rowe’s inclusion was not a surprise, but the fact he replaced Ethan Nwaneri on the bench was eyebrow-raising, with the youngster dropping out of the squad after impressing off the bench against West Ham last week.

Young defender Reuell Walters, who may leave the club in the summer, was replaced on the bench by a fellow academy star in James Sweet.

Who is Arsenal youngster James Sweet?

Sweet has been on the bench just once before, in the Carabao Cup victory over Brentford earlier this season.

The 20-year-old is a versatile full-back who can play on both sides and in midfield, and even as an inverted full-back.

Journalist Jeorge Bird has described him as a “hard-working player who gets forward well,” and having captained the under-21 side last week, he has earned his place in the matchday squad.

Why were Ethan Nwaneri and Reuell Walters absent from the squad vs Burnley?

Journalist Simon Collings revealed before the game that both youngsters, who are among the highest-rated within the academy, were left out of the squad after “picking up slight niggles in training yesterday.”

Whilst Nwaneri is set to have a bright future at the club, Walters’ is uncertain, with outcast Cedric Soares still picked ahead of him when he has had the opportunity to appear.

Sweet was selected given his versatility in the absence of Walters, but with Arsenal recording a dominant victory, both youngsters may feel that they missed another opportunity for first-team action.

With Arsenal leading 4-0, Cedric came off the bench for Ben White, and this could have been a chance for Walters.

Nwaneri came on against West Ham with the victory secured, and he could have done the same at Turf Moor, but the club are right not to take any risks over their injuries, even if they are just slight knocks.

If Arsenal continue their astonishingly dominant performances, then Nwaneri may see more game time as the season progresses despite Mikel Arteta’s side competing at the top of the Premier League and in the Champions League knockout stages, as substitute opportunities may continue to open themselves up.