Three Nigerian Left Backs Train With Arsenal First Team Ahead Of Sheffield United Game

Published: January 18, 2020

Two Nigerian defenders were promoted to first-team training on Friday as Arsenal held their final workout ahead of Saturday afternoon's Premier League clash against this season's surprise package Sheffield United at the Emirates Stadium in London.

Arsenal youth team expert Jeorge Bird has informed that left-back Tolaji Bola took part in the training session at London Colney along with Tobi Omole.

Omole went on to feature for the Gunners in the Premier League International Cup clash against Leicester City last night, effectively ruling him out of a potential debut against The Blades.

The 20-year-old has shown his versatility for Arsenal youth teams by playing as a central defender, left-back and defensive midfielder.

As for Bola, he was rested for yesterday's tie against Leicester City and is eligible to play against Sheffield United despite receiving a straight red card in the closing minutes of Arsenal's 3-3 draw with Everton in the Premier League 2 on Monday, January 13.

Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta is facing a defensive crisis with experienced duo Sead Kolasinac and Kieran Tierney not available for selection against Sheffield United owing to injuries.

Bukayo Saka was the third Nigeria-eligible player capable of playing in the left-back role that trained with the first team on Friday and the England U19 internatioonal has been tipped to start on the left side of defence, provided the Spanish coach does not change his formation.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : arsenal.com