Arsenal U23s will have to cope without midfielder Ben Cottrell for the rest of the season.
It was revealed yesterday that Cottrell has suffered an injury that will keep out for the remainder of the campaign, with the 19-year-old having been absent for the 2-2 draw against Southampton.
Cottrell is a key player for Steve Bould’s side, as evidenced by the fact that he had been an ever present this season prior to the Southampton game.
The youngster’s excellent passing and impressive technique will be missed, but Arsenal do have alternative options to call upon.
Miguel Azeez, for instance, is back available after recovering from an injury of his own, while Catalin Cirjan now has an opportunity to fully establish himself in the U23s having been in and out of the starting lineup of late.
Charlie Patino is currently out, but it is hoped that the highly rated prospect will be able to return and make an impact before the conclusion of the campaign.
Arsenal U23s still have much work to do if they are to retain their place in the top tier of Premier League 2. They are currently four points clear of the relegation zone although several of the teams below them have at least one game in hand.
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Jeorge Bird is the author of www.arsenalyouth.wordpress.com Follow him on Twitter @jeorgebird
Worrying that our youth team is struggling, hopefully the talent coming off the production line isn’t coming to a halt?
Thanks Jeorge, a bit of a loss with so much hanging on the last six games, how close is Swanson and Rekik to a return?
Rekik should be able to play soon, but Swanson is out long term.
The academy results haven’t been good lately and this injury won’t help. Is Steve Bould really the guy to take the youngsters forward? Saka broke through under Freddie, and I felt the young players had a better relationship with him and enjoyed his coaching. Bould always seems so miserable, maybe I’m doing him a disservice, but I felt a lot more confident that Freddie was getting the best out of our youngsters.
It would be a disaster if we were to lose our place in the top tier, if only in terms of ensuring the kids get experience against the best of their generation. Please, Bouldy, don’t mess this up.