Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that 17-year-old midfielder Ethan Nwaneri is fit and available for the upcoming Premier League match against Nottingham Forest on Wednesday.
Nwaneri, who has Nigerian heritage, raised concerns when he was substituted during Arsenal’s 1-0 defeat to West Ham on Saturday. Arteta later clarified that the substitution was due to fatigue.
In a press conference ahead of Wednesday’s fixture at the City Ground, Arteta addressed Nwaneri’s condition, stating: “Ethan, he was just cramping [against West Ham]. Obviously, his load has been very different in recent weeks, but he is fine.”
Nwaneri, who has been with Arsenal since his early youth, has made significant strides this season, becoming an integral part of the first team.
His versatility allows him to operate both as a right winger and an attacking midfielder. Despite his young age, Nwaneri has showcased maturity and skill, contributing effectively to the team’s dynamics.
The Arsenal academy graduate has seven goals and one assist across 25 games in all competitions.
His rapid development has been particularly crucial given Arsenal’s current injury challenges.
The team has been without key forwards Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz, and Gabriel Jesus.
Nwaneri’s ability to step up during this period has provided the Gunners with much-needed depth in their attacking options.
Nwaneri was born in Enfield, London, to a Nigerian father and an English mother.
