Mikel Arteta details ‘step by step’ plan for Arsenal record breaker before Shakhtar Donestk clash

Arsenal midfielder Ethan Nwaneri has impressed when handed an opportunity by Mikel Arteta this season but the Spanish coach is determined to be thoughtful over the teenager’s progress

Mikel Arteta has once again pleaded for patience in the development of young star Ethan Nwaneri.

The 17-year-old became the Gunners’ and Premier League’s youngest ever player when he made his debut against Brentford in September 2022. Nwaneri has continued to progress and scored a brace on his first start for the north London side against Bolton last month.

The midfielder has been confined to cameos thus far in the top-flight but such is the impression he has left, there is a clamour to see more. With Martin Odegaard out of action, Arteta’s side are lacking an element of creativity that the Norwegian provides and some believe Nwaneri could partly offer the answer.

The starlet will once again be available for selection when Arsenal return to Champions League action on Tuesday. A start would appear unlikely however.

Arteta plans to be cautious in his approach and reinforced what Nwaneri has already achieved despite his tender age. The Spanish coach intends to continue managing the youngster’s progression.

“I think it is identifying moments, understanding where he is, where the team is and what is the optimal moment to throw a player in that context,” he said in his press conference ahead of facing Shakhtar Donetsk.

“He has already done a lot in a very short period of time, so let’s take it step by step and make sure those steps are consistent, and can allow him to grow in the manner and form that we want him in the team.”

Arteta also provided an update on injured stars Odegaard and Bukayo Saka. Gunners captain Odegaard has been out of action since last month and is finally nearing a return from his ankle injury but has been ruled out of the upcoming Champions League clash.

Arteta was coy over Saka’s condition and suggested the Gunners’ talisman was still being monitored despite the winger’s training absence.

“They are closer and they’re both progressing really well,” Arteta said. “Martin is still not fit. With Bukayo, let’s see how he feels today and the transition that we have later on.”

Jurrien Timber is also set to have a difficult time making it back to face Shakhtar. The Dutchman was absent from Arsenal’s training ahead of their European outing and Arteta has also admitted that the defender could miss the game.

He said: “I think it’s gonna be close. We’ll have to see how he deals with training with the whole group because he hasn’t done it yet.”

Takehiro Tomiyasu remains sidelined, though Arteta will have William Saliba at his disposal before the Frenchman is suspended at the weekend against Liverpool.

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