Arsenal included a number of academy players in first-team training on Thursday ahead of their match against Ipswich Town.
As they prepared to host Ipswich Town at the Emirates Stadium on Friday night, Arsenal called up eight academy players to join the senior players in training on Thursday.
Starting at the back, right-back Josh Robinson and centre-back Zane Monlouis were both involved.
Midfielders Dan Casey and Jack Henry-Francis were called up as well, along with forwards Nathan Butler-Oyedeji, Seb Ferdinand, Andre Harriman-Annous, and Ismeal Kabia.
Robinson is clearly acting as right-back cover for the time being, with Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu both still out injured. The 20-year-old has been on the bench for four of Arsenal’s Champions League games already this season.
In forward areas, with the injuries to Bukayo Saka and Raheem Sterling, Arsenal need cover on the wings.
Butler-Oyedeji and Kabia are probably the favourites for call-ups if required, with the former impressing with the u21s after gaining experience on senior loans, and the latter making his first-team debut in the League Cup earlier this season.
Butler-Oyedeji has eight goals and six assists in 12 academy games this season.
It’s interesting to see Henry-Francis also still regularly involved in first-team training after his loan to Sligo Rovers. Most likely, he’s trying to keep fit ahead of the January transfer window.
Arsenal probably have enough senior players fit to name a full squad against Ipswich on Friday, but any late setbacks would likely see one of the above eight players included as replacements.
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