ARSENAL manager Mikel Arteta has admitted that he is concerned he could stunt Eddie Nketiah’s development due to a lack of football.
England Under-21s’ record goalscorer has not featured for the Gunners since a late cameo in the 0-0 draw with Manchester United back in January.
Mikel Arteta has shared his fears about stunting Eddie Nketiah’s developmentCredit: Getty – Pool
Nketiah has started just twice in the Premier League all season, scoring just once.
And he failed to even make the bench for Sunday’s 3-1 win at Leicester with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Alexandre Lacazette, and Gabriel Martinelli all ahead of him in the pecking order.
But Nketiah missed the opportunity to land a January loan, with Joe Willock and Ainsley Maitland-Niles sent to Newcastle and West Brom respectively.
Asked if a lack of minutes could stunt his development, Arteta replied: “Yes there is because he needs to play and we’ve been wanting to use him a little bit more on some occasions and we didn’t.
“To be fair, when he’s played, he’s played well, but at his age and for what he’s done the last two or three seasons, he needs more minutes.
“It’s something we have to talk about openly and make the right decision.”
Despite his lack of first-team action, Arteta went on to praise Nketiah’s attitude and insisted he deserves to play.
He added: “This is one of the hazards to leave someone like Eddie out of the squad, but at the moment everybody has been fit and we have so many options up front.
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“But it hurts as well because of how Eddie behaves and trains every day and because he’s a player from our academy, but he will have his chance.
“He needs to be patient and he’s showing no signs of lacking attitude or anything like that, it’s the complete opposite.
“He’s a joy to work with and he deserves minutes and if he doesn’t get it, it’s just my fault.”
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta remains coy on whether he expects Lacazette to leave or not come the end of the season
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
