When I see a player destined for greatness, I can tell. He will become a world-class talent in the future. Arsenal cannot afford to take risks with him,” Mourinho comments on the one Arsenal player Arteta should avoid betting on this season—not Bukayo Saka or William Saliba.
According to Up Chelsea, Arsenal midfielder Ethan Nwaneri “won’t be thrust into the side” for the upcoming match against Tottenham this weekend. Reports suggest it’s unlikely the teenager will start in the derby, despite some speculation about his involvement.
Manager Mikel Arteta is facing a selection challenge after captain Martin Odegaard suffered an ankle injury during international duty. Mikel Merino (shoulder) and Declan Rice (suspension) are already unavailable, and Fabio Vieira was loaned to Porto earlier this summer.
Given these circumstances, Nwaneri is expected to be on the bench rather than in the starting eleven on Sunday.
As for who will start against Spurs, GiveMeSport reports that Arteta is seriously considering using Raheem Sterling in a central role. The 29-year-old joined on loan from Chelsea just before the transfer window closed last month.
Although Sterling has yet to debut, starting him in such a crucial match would demonstrate Arteta’s confidence in his abilities. If selected, Kai Havertz would likely shift into the No. 10 position left vacant by the injured Odegaard.
Arsenal has other alternatives to consider. Instead of starting Sterling up front, Arteta might place him on the left flank and move Leandro Trossard behind Havertz, although Trossard has rarely played in that position for Arsenal.
Alternatively, with Gabriel Jesus expected to be fit for the derby, he could take on the striker role, though he has been lacking match fitness since his last appearance in the season opener against Wolves due to a groin issue.
