Arsenal manager provides fitness update on 18yo Nigerian right-back ahead of Monaco clash

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has provided an update on the fitness of Nigerian right-back Josh Nichols ahead of the UEFA Champions League clash with AS Monaco at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday night.

The talented full-back has had a few involvement with the first-team this season and it appears that he has made an impression on Arteta.

The 18-year-old made his professional debut in the 5-1 victory over Bolton Wanderers in the third round of the Carabao Cup in September.

Nichols was named in the matchday squad for the Premier League matches against Leicester City, Liverpool and West Ham United but has not been involved in the Champions League.

Arteta has suggested he is unlikely to take part in the Champions League match against Monaco.

During his pre-match press conference ahead of tomorrow's game, the Spanish manager revealed that Nichols is dealing with fitness issues, leaving his involvement in doubt.

"He’s been having some issues, we still don’t know if he’s available or not," he told Arsenal's official website

Arsenal's first choice right-back Ben White is currently injured. In his absence Thomas Partey has been deployed in the position.

The Gunners have a host of injuries ahead of Wednesday's meeting with Monaco. 

Oleksandr Zinchenko, Gabriel Magalhaes and Riccardo Calafiori are also battling with their fitness, alongside Nichols.

Abdulkareem Abdulhamid

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