Two Olympic Eagles-eligible players train with Arsenal first team pre-Manchester United

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta promoted two young players of Nigerian descent to first team training on Wednesday ahead of the blockbuster Premier League meeting with Manchester United, allnigeriasoccer.com reports. 

Fullback Ryan Alebiosu, 21, and striker Nathan Butler-Oyedeji, 20, who are both eligible to represent Nigeria's Olympic National Team, trained with the first team stars at London Colney yesterday despite speculation surrounding their futures, with both linked with a departure from the Emirates Stadium before the close of the summer transfer window. 

A third player of Nigeria descent, goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo was also spotted at the training session despite previous reports suggesting that he was leaving Arsenal permanently in this window. 

Alebiosu was probably promoted to first team training to make up the numbers, taking into consideration that versatile fullback Takehiro Tomiyasu, who missed the 2-2 draw against Fulham, is back in contention after serving a one-game ban. 

Mikel Arteta has surprisingly deployed Thomas Partey in a right-back role in the first three games of the new season. 

Given that Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz, Leandro Trossard, Eddie Nketiah, Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka were all involved in yesterday's training session, the chances of Butler-Oyedeji receiving his first call-up to the first team since January 9, 2023 are slim. 

Right-back Alebiosu has not been named in an Arsenal matchday squad since January 23, 2022 when he was an unused substitute in a goalless draw with Burnley. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

Photo Credit: arsenal.com

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