ARSENAL boss Mikel Arteta has drafted in FOUR youngsters for his side’s Europa League trip to Molde.
After struggling in the Premier League, Mikel Arteta is set to give youth a chance in Europe.
Emile Smith Rowe has travelled with Arsenal to take on Molde in NorwayCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Folarin Balogun is also part of Arteta’s travelling party for Thursday’s gameCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Miguel Azeez is one of four youngsters named in Arsenal’s squad for MoldeCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Most recently, the Gunners slipped to a 0-0 draw at Leeds after Nicolas Pepe was sent-off for a headbutt.
In their previous match, they were thumped 3-0 by Aston Villa.
Arsenal now sit 12th in the Premier League table after their horror start to 2020-21, scoring just nine goals in nine games.
However, the Gunners have won all three of their opening Group B fixtures in the Europa League – while averaging three goals per game.
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And having beaten Molde 4-1 at the Emirates earlier this month, Arteta is seemingly confident he can win in Norway with a youthful XI.
The Arsenal chief has called-up Emile Smith Rowe, Folarin Balogun, Miguel Azeez and Ben Cottrell to his travelling party.
The group were seen arriving at Luton airport for their trip to Scandinavia.
Smith Rowe, 20, will be hoping to become the solution to Arsenal’s creative problems, having shown glimpses of his promise in 2018 – after scoring a worldie in a pre-season clash with Atletico Madrid.
Granit Xhaka is one of Arsenal’s first-teamers travelling to NorwayCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Kieran Tierney has been named in the Arsenal squad to play MoldeCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Runar Alex Runarsson is expected to start in goal for the game vs MoldeCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Since then, he’s been loaned out to RB Leipzig and Huddersfield – making just 19 appearances in total.
Striker Balogun looked set to leave the Emirates after contract talks stalled.
But latest reports claim discussions have been reopened and the 19-year-old forward – who Arteta publicly revealed he ‘really likes’ – is now in the squad to take on Molde.
Midfielders Azeez, 18, and Cottrell, 19, were also seen boarding the flight to Norway.
A host of first-team stars are set to be rested ahead of Sunday’s key Premier League clash with Wolves.
Granit Xhaka, Kieran Tierney and Shkodran Mustafi are just three first-teamers spotted at the airport on Tuesday.
Runar Alex Runarsson is expected to start in goal, with Bernd Leno set to be rested.
Arteta explains why he’s so cross, addresses Pepe’s unacceptable actions and reveals his worries over a lack of goals
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
