Afternoon guys.
The bad news just keeps on coming for Arsenal. After Gabriel Martinelli picked up an injury last week which is likely to keep him out of the game for a month, it seems Kai Havertz has picked up a hamstring injury which according to David Ornstein, is so bad he won’t play again this season.
So, I’ve looked at the academy squad on Arsenal.com because at some stage, if not already, one or two of them are going to be on the bench with a very good chance of actually getting on the pitch.
Listed below are a few options, 18 years old being the youngest, and a brief description of their abilities which again, is from the official website.
Nathan Butler-Oyedeji – 22 years old.
With three goals in 14 appearances for us last season, composed forward Nathan had benefitted from loan spells at Accrington Stanley and Cheltenham Town over the past two seasons, both of which provided a taste of senior football at League One level. After returning from loan at Cheltenham last term, he scored three goals in the two Premier League 2 play-off matches. Nathan joined our Hale End Academy at the age of eight and was encouraged to watch clips of Thierry Henry as a youngster by his father.
Charles Sagoe Jr. 20 years old.
A composed and intelligent forward who is a threat on either wing, Charles Jr joined us from Fulham in 2015. He was a regular at under-21 level last season, scoring six times from 26 league outings, and also appearing in all four Papa John’s Trophy matches. In March 2023 he was named on the bench for our Europa League match away to Sporting CP.
Sebastian Ferdinand – 19 years old.
Right winger Seb made 21 appearances across our youth sides last season, scoring twice in both the U18 Premier League and the Bristol Street Motors Trophy. It was the game away to Exeter City’s first team in the latter competition where the tricky winger made a real impact, scoring twice and registering an assist in a 5-0 win. Sobha Realty Training Centre is close to where Seb grew up in St Albans, and he had also played for a youth team in London Colney before joining our Hale End Academy aged 13
Ismeal Kabia – 19 years old.
Dutch right winger Ismeal made the step up to our under-21s team last season, making 13 appearances in Premier League 2, including both play-off matches. He also featured for Jack Wilshere’s under-18s side in the U18 Premier League and FA Youth Cup and represented us in Europe in the UEFA Youth League. The speedy forward, who is eligible to play for the Netherlands and Sierra Leone at international level, has been with us from the age of 11. He made his first-team debut for us at home to Bolton Wanderers in the Carabao Cup in 2024/25.
Jakai Fisher – 18 years old.
Clinical finisher Jakai (full name Demar Bascoe-Fisher) is fast and direct, always relishing the opportunity to beat defenders in one-on-one situations. He joined the Hale End Academy at under- 12s level and has frequently punished opponents when given time and space in and around the penalty area. He made three appearances in the U18 Premier League last season against Reading, Southampton and Brighton & Hove Albion, when he was deployed on the right wing.
Daniel Oyetunde – 18 years old.
A dangerous, clever forward, Daniel is effective whether operating as a central striker or out wide on the wing. He joined our Hale End Academy at under-15s level and, in the 2022/23 season, he made his under-21s debut in the Premier League Cup as a schoolboy. Last season, the skilful forward made 11 appearances in the U18 Premier League, scoring twice and providing one assist. He also appeared twice for our under-19s team in the UEFA Youth League.
The question going through my mind is, is it better to just jiggle around with the first team squad to fill the gaps as best as possible or, would it make more sense to use a player who is actually a striker/goal scorer albeit at an under 21 level as long as they are talented to begin with?
Before the season began, did any of us honestly believe that Myles Lewis-Skelly would play as many games he has let alone perform at the level he has? Not me that’s for sure and bearing in mind the club signed Riccardo Calafiori in the summer, I very much doubt Mikel Arteta thought so either. Now though, it’s hard to imagine him not being on the team sheet.
Once Arteta finally decided to give Ethan Nwaneri more minutes, he too has more than held his own and now, he’s our best right sided forward option. Leandro Trossard could move central with Raheem Sterling starting on the left or perhaps the latter will simply fill in for Havertz? Worryingly so in my opinion.
Regardless of how Arteta shuffles his players around, he’ll need attacking players on the bench which is where the players as listed above come into the mix. My guess is that Kabia will be the first one who we’ll see a bit more of as he’s already featured in the League Cup as well as being named in the first team squad. I’d imagine Nathan Butler-Oyedeji must be hoping that this could be the opportunity he’s possibly been waiting for too.
As the saying goes, when one door shuts, another one opens. Who for I wonder….
Catch up in the comments.
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Harriman- Annous ?
Khayon Edwards ?
Hey Bertie, I went for the 18+ players.
Saying that, I clearly missed 21 year old Khayon Edwards
2 is a bit young even for us Rico.😉
No interest in out of contract strikers? A six month pay per play option with performance payments could work.
Needs must when the devil drives.
It’s a well known saying, but what the hell it means I’ve no idea.
😂 Cicero, a bit of a cockup by me..
Just looked at TransferMarket, there are lots of players without a club.
I’m one of them but I’m old.
However, if necessary, I am ready at almost zero cost.
My great opportunity to play in the Champions League!
Ha ha Jm.
Shame Everton couldn’t hold on for the draw…
But they did just that Rico. 2 – 2. Lead cut to seven points.
Blimey, it was 2-1 and nearly full time so I assumed. Wrongly obviously Cicero. 😝
Not making any signings in January is looking more and more stupid by the day…
Big fight , points deduction , like we had.
Fingers crossed eh…
Nice one Rico, almost Jeorge Bird’esque.
Premier League and Champions League football is unforgiving, you have to be a bit special like Saka, Nwaneri or Lewis Skelly to survive, so I don’t see any of those available lads being capable of making an impact, but like you Rico I reckon that Kabia is the best bet out of that lot?
Can any of them come off of the bench to protect our shrinking pool of attackers, late in games? Well probably yes, if we’re say leading 3-0 with 15 minutes remaining.
I more likely can see the likes of Califiori, Tierney, Merino and Rice playing out of position during the next month until Martinelli returns…