5 Arsenal academy players join senior squad for Leicester clash | OneFootball

Five Arsenal academy players have been spotted with the first-team squad ahead of Saturday’s match against Leicester City.

LONDON, ENGLAND: Ethan Nwaneri of Arsenal celebrates scoring his team’s third goal with teammates during the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Arsenal and Bolton Wanderers at Emirates Stadium on September 25, 2024. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

As usual, Arsenal’s first-team squad stayed together in a hotel ahead of Saturday’s match against Leicester City, and they were caught on camera leaving the venue this morning.

Connor Humm’s footage gave us our first hints at potential team news, with David Raya notably with the group. But there were also five academy players involved following Wednesday’s League Cup win.

LONDON, ENGLAND: Jack Porter of Arsenal during the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Arsenal and Bolton Wanderers at Emirates Stadium on September 25, 2024. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

It was no surprise to see midfielders Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri with the squad, given their recent Premier League appearances, regular squad appearances, and their impressive performances on Wednesday.

But right-back Josh Nichols and centre-back Maldini Kacurri are also still with the first team after their senior debuts in midweek.

Goalkeeper Jack Porter was with the squad as well, though if Raya is fit then Porter will likely act as the emergency third-choice keeper, helping out with the pre-match warm-up but not making the official bench.

On the other hand, if Raya is a last-minute absentee, loan signing Neto could yet start, with Porter on the bench.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND: David Raya of Arsenal receives medical treatment during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Arsenal FC at Etihad Stadium on September 22, 2024. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Whether they play a major role in Saturday’s fixture or not, the message to Arsenal’s academy youngsters is pretty clear. They did their job against Bolton Wanderers, and they’re being rewarded by Mikel Arteta putting faith in them again.