Latest Arsenal development could stop Ethan Nwaneri in his tracks already despite Mikel Arteta message

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Arsenal starlet Ethan Nwaneri has taken a huge stride forward in the early stages of this season.

Ethan Nwaneri is now staking a serious claim to be afforded a first Premier League start for Arsenal. 

The Hale End academy graduate has impressed when given a chance this season. Nwaneri made Arsenal history on Wednesday evening, as he became the youngest player to score on each of his first two starts for the Gunners. 

The 17-year-old struck a spectacular long range effort against Preston North End in the EFL Cup. Arsenal fans were delighted by Nwaneri’s performance against the Championship outfit, and will be eager to see more of him in action. 

Mikel Arteta will now face intensified calls to give Nwaneri a chance to start a Premier League game, and the decision to deny the England under-19 international is certainly becoming more difficult to justify. 

However, an Arsenal injury update has now suggested that Nwaneri will find such an opportunity more difficult to come by. Martin Odegaard is close to a return to action, and he will create an obstacle between Nwaneri and further game time.

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Ethan Nwaneri faces Martin Odegaard blocking Arsenal progress

Odegaard may return against Inter Milan in next week’s Champions League encounter. Once the Norwegian playmaker is back to fitness he will come straight into the regular starting XI, making it more difficult for Nwaneri to force his way into the team.

Odegaard has already been sidelined for several weeks. During his absence, the Gunners have faced the likes of Leicester City, Southampton, and Bournemouth. These would have been ideal fixtures for Arteta to give Nwaneri a chance of starting a game, but that opportunity has now passed the manager by. 

Arsenal cruised to victories against Southampton and Leicester, but were beaten by the Cherries, lacking creativity in that game. Nwaneri could have added the missing spark in that match.

Arteta will regret Nwaneri reluctance

Arsenal may well have more points on the board in the Premier League this season had Arteta shown more faith in Nwaneri before this point. Arteta has insisted he has big plans for Nwaneri, but he has been very cautious with his use of the player.

Arteta will come to regret not showing more faith in Nwaneri, and the youngster’s ability to progress has been somewhat limited as a result.

Meanwhile, the teenager will now have to wait for his chance to start a Premier League game, and ensure that he is ready to shine when the time comes.