Two academy players of Nigerian descent train with Arsenal first team ahead of Newcastle trip

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta promoted two academy players of Nigerian descent to first team training on the eve of their Carabao Cup semifinal second leg against Newcastle United at St. James' Park.

According to Arsenal youth team insider Jeorge Bird, U18s forward Andre Harriman-Annous and development squad attacker Nathan Butler-Oyedeji were amongst the academy players to train with the Arsenal first team squad at Sobha Realty Training Centre today.

History-making attacking midfielder, Ethan Nwaneri, the youngest player to feature in the top-flight of English football, was also spotted in the training images posted by the Gunners on the official website.

Mikel Arteta will not be able to count on the services of Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus in the clash with the Magpies, with the two forwards still recovering from injuries, while Brazilian attacker Marquinhos has joined Cruzeiro on loan until the end of the season.

Butler-Oyedeji has been on the periphery of the first team over the past one month due to limited options in attack.

Since the start of January, the 22-year-old has been called up for seven first team games from a possible ten in all competitions. 

He made his senior debut for Arsenal off the bench in a 3-0 win over Dinamo Zagreb in a Champions League tie at the Emirates Stadium last month.

Andre Harriman-Annous has trained with Arsenal’s first-team stars multiple times this season as a reward for his outstanding performances with the U18s but has yet to be named in a matchday squad.

With a Wembley showdown against Liverpool or Tottenham Hotspur at stake, Arsenal are aiming to overturn the two-goal deficit from last month's clash at the Emirates Stadium.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit: arsenal.com

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