Nigerian Teenager Left Out Of Arsenal Matchday Squad To Face Southampton In Premier League

Published: November 23, 2019

Nigerian starlet James Olayinka will certainly not make his professional debut when Arsenal take on Southampton in the English Premier League on Saturday, allnigeriasoccer.com reports.

The Hale End Academy product trained with the Gunners first team for most part of the international break, fueling speculation that he's on the verge of playing his first competitive game for the North London club.

Spanish football tactician Unai Emery has decided to leave Olayinka out of the matchday squad to face the Saints and the highly-rated teenager will play for the U23 team instead, having made the starting line-up for the ongoing Premier League 2 match against Southampton U23s.

Aged 19, Olayinka is a central midfielder and his biggest qualities are running forward, dribbling and goalscoring.

He has cited former Manchester City star Yaya Toure as his role model because the Ivorian used to dominate the midfield during his time in the Premier League.

Tolaji Bola, Joseph Olowu and Tobi Omole are in the matchday squad against Southampton U23s, meaning the trio are not in contention to make their professional debuts this afternoon.

Arsenal were sweating over the fitness of Bukayo Saka prior to the visit of Southampton after he suffered a minor injury whilst on international duty with the England U19 squad.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : arsenal.com