As far as debuts go, things couldn't have gone worse for Arsenal youngster Karl Hein against Brighton and Hove Albion last month.
Despite the 20-year-old being involved in the 2021/22 season first-team squad photocall alongside Bernd Leno, Aaron Ramsdale and Arthur Okonkwo, there was no forthcoming announcement of a call-up, but over the summer his promotion was quietly confirmed upon participating in the club's media day before the new campaign began.
Handed the number 31 shirt - last worn by Sead Kolasinac - three months later Hein was able to fulfill a promise he made after committing his future to the club in September 2021: "It means a lot to extend my contract with this big club, a big club in Europe, a massive club with traditions," he told Arsenal Media. "I'm very happy, very happy. My ambitions are to play for Arsenal ultimately, train hard, keep the progress going and then hopefully get my chance."
READ MORE: 5 Arsenal youngsters who could be part of Mikel Arteta's Dubai preseason squad
That chance arrived in the Carabao Cup third round tie against Brighton where the Estonia international was somewhat of a surprise inclusion in the starting lineup considering summer signing Matt Turner was once again fit and available for selection after missing a few games through injury.
With that said, Hein endured a nightmare debut. Scoring a 4/10 in football.london's player ratings from the 3-1 loss at the Emirates Stadium. Firstly, after an unfortunate slip, he compounded the error by getting up to foul Danny Welbeck which led to a penalty and the visitors' equaliser and he was too slow to come out for the third goal which ended the contest.
To endure the worst possible start to his Arsenal career, Hein could be forgiven for thinking he may never get an opportunity in the senior team again. However, whilst he certainly has a long road ahead of him, he retains the support of Mikel Arteta who leaped to his defence after the Brighton game.
"I think he [Hein] deserves the chance. He's the first goalie of the national team and at his age that's not usual," the Spaniard told reporters after the game. "If I have to play him tomorrow again I would. Errors are part of football."
To Arteta's point, Hein is already a regular for Estonia having earned 18 caps and has produced a couple of standout performances - most notably against Wales last year. Furthermore, he's shown for his national team that he has the temperament for senior football even in his tender years and his nightmare Arsenal debut could be put down to nerves.
Fortunately for the youngster, he won't have to wait too long for another chance with the Gunners as he is in line to benefit from the rather bizarre goalkeeping situation Arteta has on his hands ahead of the Watford friendly as well as games against Lyon and AC Milan as part of the Dubai Super Cup later this month.
With Ramsdale and Turner both progressing to the World Cup knockout stage with England and the USA respectively, the earliest they could join up with the squad is December 9 - a day after the Lyon clash - assuming Arsenal choose to give a 10-day break to their World Cup performers.
In addition, the Gunners let as many as five goalkeepers depart in the summer with Bernd Leno joining Fulham in a permanent deal whilst Arthur Okonkwo, Alex Runarsson, Tom Smith and Ovie Ejeheri are spending the season on loan at Crewe, Alanyaspor, Bromley and Chelmsford City respectively.
This means Hein is currently the only senior Arsenal goalkeeper available for selection and whilst he could be backed up by either James Hillson or Hubert Graczyk during the Dubai training camp, he is almost guaranteed a shot at redemption to prove why he's so highly-rated within the club.
READ NEXT:
Jamie Carragher makes Bukayo Saka claim as Arsenal star handed England World Cup decision
Arsenal relying on history to justify Cody Gakpo transfer decision as Manchester United circle
Arsenal to grant Mykhaylo Mudryk's one request if £40m January transfer is completed
Charlie Patino in Spain, Nuno Tavares reunion and shock FA Cup result - Arsenal loan latest
Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: Latest news, rumours and gossip from the Emirates Stadium
