Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has given an update on Ethan Nwaneri as reports speculate about his future.
Nwaneri has been limited to merely 165 Premier League minutes and wasn't even in the match day squad for Tuesday's 4-1 win over Aston Villa.
His lack of involvement has led to reports that he may be released on loan for the second half of the season, reports that have been backed by how Arteta rarely gives him a chance to prove himself.
Speaking in Friday’s press conference, Arteta was asked about the 18-year-old, who he says has a role to play within the side despite him often warming the bench.
"Every player is very important, every player has a role," Arteta said.
"That role can change throughout the season for different reasons, and everybody has to be ready to play.
"And the thing is that you don't know if you're going to be a finisher, a starter, or sometimes you have to come in because a player gets injured in the warm-up. So that's how ready you have to be.
"And again, as I said, it's a joy because the players are really committed, really willing to participate in whatever role they have on the day. And that's what we need."
The teenager has played just 19 minutes since the start of December in what was a small feature against Club Brugge. Now, with Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus and Martin Odegaard all returning to the fold, it is increasingly unlikely his minutes will increase.
Credit: tribalfootball
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