Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard faces a potentially brutal snub as the Gunners prepare for a huge game against PSG in the Champions League semi-final second leg.
Mikel Arteta is facing some bold decisions within his team, with a historic comeback needed to book a place in the Champions League final.
Arsenal are 1-0 down to PSG in the tie, due to Ousmane Dembele’s goal at the Emirates Stadium after just four minutes.
Among the stuttering and stumbling attacks from the home side was Martin Odegaard, who struggled to create as fluidly as he could.
That, in itself, could lead to a big change in the Arsenal team with him dropping out for another star.
Arsenal must drop Martin Odegaard for Ethan Nwaneri against PSG
With Martin Odegaard a potential injury doubt for Arsenal heading into their tie with PSG, a change could follow.
Along with that, playmaker has struggled to create the same sort of output he has enjoyed in other seasons, with fewer goals and assists going his way.
After struggling against PSG, a change to a player willing to take more risks when chasing the came could be in order.
That’s where Ethan Nwaneri comes in, the Arsenal academy graduate who has truly made himself at home in the first team this season.
Most of the 18-year-old’s appearances have come on the right wing, but he is more accustomed to the number ten role.
Since some recent injury returns, Nwaneri has received fewer minutes and has been given just a few minutes to make an impact from the bench.
In those cameos, he has shown the fearlessness and the risk-taking required to win some of the big matches.
Featuring against PSG would be quite the step up, but it’s a bold decision like that which could cement Nwaneri even more opportunities.
Arsene Wenger has already explained why Ethan Nwaneri will fit well as a number ten
Nwaneri’s rise to the senior side has already been filled with some big moments, but most notably on the right wing.
The youngster is still to be given many opportunities as a number ten, something that could soon come his way.
Former Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has already raved about Nwaneri when speaking on BeIN Sports back in February, explaining exactly why he could fit as a number ten.
He claimed: “Nwaneri is more of a creator through his final ball, his dribbling and the quality of his passing.
“Fabregas was very strong mentally, but this boy looks as well, and when I look at him, his maturity, it’s difficult for me to think he’s 17 years old. The sign of a special talent is they are ready early.”
It’s unclear if he is ready for such a big game at this stage of his career, but there’s only one way for Arsenal to find out.
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