Arsenal vs AFC Wimbledon team news: Arteta makes selection decision that affects Nigerian

Published: September 22, 2021

Allnigeriasoccer.com can exclusively report with certainty that Nigerian-born midfielder Tim Akinola will not make his competitive debut for Arsenal when they trade tackles with League One side AFC Wimbledon in the third round of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night.

Akinola was involved in the Gunners final workout held at London Colney yesterday but has been omitted from the matchday eighteen by the Spanish football tactician.

It was thought that the Carabao Cup was an opportunity for Arteta to blood some of the most promising youngsters in the Arsenal academy with the likes of Akinola and right-back Ryan Alebiosu training with the first team in recent weeks.

Against AFC Wimbledon tonight, the Gunners boss is looking to give game-time to many senior players who have not played much in the new season, hence his decision to leave out some academy players from the matchday squad.

Akinola was impressive during the training sessions with the first team and was outstanding as Arsenal thrashed London rivals Chelsea 6-1 in the Premier League 2 on Sunday.

The 20-year-old made his non-competitive debut for the first team in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Brentford earlier this month.

The former Huddersfield Town starlet is targeting a call-up to Nigeria's Olympic National Team ahead of the start of the 2023 African Games qualifiers.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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