Arsenal return to action in the EFL Cup on Wednesday night, with a visit to Preston North End on the cards.
Mikel Arteta’s squad will face the Championship side away from home in the fourth round after beating Bolton Wanderers at the Emirates.
The Bolton clash was a memorable night for several academy players, who were handed their first team debuts by Arteta.
It was a night to cherish for 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri, who scored a brace on his full senior debut for Arsenal, showcasing a level he will want to match against Preston.
- READ MORE: Mikel Arteta shares what ‘buzzing’ Hale End wonderkids said to senior Arsenal stars after Bolton win
What to expect from Maldini Kacurri if he starts against Preston
All eyes will be on Nwaneri if he earns a start against Preston however, the attacking midfielder is not the only Hale End starlet in with a chance of impressing.
Based on the current list of injuries that Arteta has to deal with, there could be an opening for 19-year-old Maldini Kacurri.
The manager has already shown great faith in the centre-back, who has been named on the bench in both the Premier League and Champions League this season.
- READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Arsenal wonderkid Maldini Kacurri including age, height and stats
Arsenal academy expert Jeorge Bird describes Maldini as a ‘no-nonsense centre-back’ and a player who ‘often makes crunching challenges’, giving an insight into what Preston could expect.
The Championship side, who sit 16th in the second tier, could present the perfect challenge for the teenager, who could be handed a rare chance to impress Arteta at senior level.
Arsenal injury news: Mikel Arteta without five defenders
Not only could the manager be tempted to field some fringe players for the sake of rotation and opportunity, but also to ease Arsenal’s current injury woes.
Against Liverpool, Arteta was without several key players by the end of the game, including Gabriel Magalhaes, Riccardo Calafiori and Jurrien Timber.
- READ MORE: Arsenal handed Gabriel Magalhaes update as injury expert spots ‘good sign’ after Liverpool blow
While Timber’s withdrawal was understood to be due to cramp, there could be a precautionary measure taken in midweek with Arsenal’s Premier League clash against Newcastle United in mind.
The same goes for Gabriel and Calafiori, who are expected to be absent.
Long-term absentees include Takehiro Tomiyasu and Kieran Tierney, making Arteta’s defence possibly five men short for Preston.
It’s a concern for Arsenal, but a rare opportunity for players such as Kacurri, who could be handed a starting spot in central defence.
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