'Has to fight for his place' - Arsenal boss explains why Balogun missed last couple of games

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta faced the cameras on Thursday afternoon before his side's Premier League meeting with Norwich City at the Emirates Stadium in London and one of the questions he was asked had to do with Folarin Balogun not given minutes in the last few games before the international break.

The Hale End Academy graduate made his Premier League debut on the opening day of the season at Brentford, before entering the game as a substitute against Chelsea but missed out on the matchday squad entirely against West Brom and Manchester City.

With Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette now available for selection after Covid-19 related absences, Balogun has dropped down Arteta's pecking order of strikers.

The Spanish has sent a message to the Anglo-American-Nigerian youngster that he has to fight for a spot in the first team.

Asked why Balogun has not been seen in the last couple of games, Arteta replied : "Well, he made his debut against Brentford and he played the following game against Chelsea as well so it has been a big, big step for him in the last few months. He did all the pre-season with us so he has already learnt a lot in a few months.

"He is another player in the squad that has to fight for his place and ensure that he's available to do that."

Balogun made his debut for England U21s in their 2-0 win over Kosovo in an U21 EURO qualifier on Tuesday, September 7.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel