Arsenal have one Premier League game remaining before the season pauses to allow the start of the 2022 winter World Cup which is set to take place in Qatar. But, before the Gunners play their final league game, Mikel Arteta’s side must also finish their first Carabao Cup game of the season.
The north London side host fellow Premier League outfit Brighton at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday evening. The winner of the tie progresses to the fourth round of the competition which is set to take place the week after the World Cup finishes.
On Tuesday, the Spaniard and his coaching staff put the Arsenal first-team squad through their paces during a training session at London Colney with media footage released to get fans in the mood for an evening kick-off at the Emirates Stadium. Here is a look at some of the things we spotted from the latest session.
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Youngsters involved
Arteta tends to call up some of the club's most promising youngsters to train with the first-team squad ahead of a game. This season has seen the likes of Ethan Nwaneri, Lino Sousa, Reuell Walters, Taylor Foran, Catalin Cirjan, Khayon Edwards and Amario Cozier-Duberry all benefit.
Going into the Brighton game, youngsters Matt Smith, Jack-Henry Francis, Nathan Butler-Oyedeji and Taylor Foran all took part in Tuesday’s session and right-back Reuell Walters was also spotted - he could be in line for a call-up to the matchday squad if Takehiro Tomiyasu is not ready to return after missing the Chelsea game.
No Tomiyasu
After missing Sunday's London derby win over Chelsea, there was some understandable concern brewing around the availability of Tomiyasu for the Gunners' final two games but also his chances of featuring for Japan in the World Cup. However, a statement released by Arsenal, confirming Tomiyasu's inclusion in the Japan squad, outlined that the 24-year-old 'should' be available to play in the tournament.
Despite the Japanese’s inclusion, he was still absent from Arsenal training ahead of the Carabao cup clash against Brighton. This could be a suggestion that he is to be rested going into Arsenal’s final Premier League game against Wolves on Saturday before the World Cup break.
The British crew
Rob Holding, Ben White and Kieran Tierney were all spotted walking out together. Holding, despite not being named as a deputy captain with Granit Xhaka and Gabriel Jesus, is considered one of the key leaders in the dressing room and has worn the armband in the past.
Similar to previous Europa League training sessions against FK Bodo/Glimt, White and Tierney joined Holding in leading out the group for Tuesday’s practice. Holding has been a regular starter for the Gunners in Europe this season, and was a regular starter in the Carabao Cup last season. It would be no surprise to see him in the starting XI for tonight.
Marquinhos involvement hint
All youngsters that were called up for first-team training ahead of the Brighton clash were pictured wearing bibs in the match training drills except Marquinhos. This could be a hint that he is to be involved on Wednesday evening.
Players who are expected to be involved such as Kieran Tierney and Rob Holding were pictured without bibs, meaning they were likely on the same team as Marquinhos in the drills. With Marquinhos already starting for the Gunners this season, it is possible that he could be handed another chance.
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