‘He will be on the bench’: Mikel Arteta set to put 19-year-old youngster on the bench for Arsenal’s next matches
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta will be very pleased with how his side restarted their Premier League campaign on Boxing Day.
Despite being a goal down against West Ham at half-time, goals from Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Eddie Nketiah earned them a deserved three points.
A report from Football London has provided an update on Arteta’s squad going into the January transfer window.
The main talking points for Arsenal are their forward line, especially with the injury to Gabriel Jesus.
The Gunners have long been linked with Ukrainian Mykhaylo Mudryk, even before the Brazilian’s injury.
Atletico Madrid forward Joao Felix has also been touted as a possible temporary solution, with the Portuguese potentially available on loan.
It’s unlikely at this stage that any incomings will arrive as soon as the window opens.
Even if they do, Arteta may not want to throw them straight into action before they’re had to time to acclimatise to their new surroundings.
Football London now believe that Arteta will name Marquinhos on the bench for the next few matches.
It’s a big boost for the 19-year-old, who has been involved in Arsenal’s Europa League campaign, but barely featured in the league.
Marquinhos to be named on Arsenal’s bench
The report suggests that if Mudryk arrives that will likely be the end of Marquinhos’ involvement with the first team.
However, injuries to Jesus, Emile Smith Rowe and Reiss Nelson have handed an opportunity to the teenager.
Marquinhos was heavily involved during Arsenal’s mid-season break in Dubai, impressing in training.
He didn’t have the greatest game against AC Milan, but featured in a heavily rotated Arsenal side.
Marquinhos was on the bench against Brentford earlier in the season, coming on alongside record-breaker Ethan Nwaneri.
The young Brazilian made an immediate impact after signing from Sao Paulo in the summer.
His goal and assist against FC Zurich on his competitive debut came after he showed his class for the under-21s.
Marquinhos may now be handed more chances to play for Arteta, and will be eyeing minutes in the FA Cup and Europa League.
