With qualification – and top spot in the group – already assured, Tuesday night’s meeting with PSV Eindhoven may well be an opportunity for Mikel to use some of the younger players at his disposal.
Defender Reuell Walters – who turns 19 on Saturday – is named in the squad, as is 18-year-left back Lino Sousa, and forward Ethan Nwaneri (17). If Walters or Sousa feature, they will make their first-team debut, while Nwaneri would become our youngest European player should he play.
“They are three big prospects,” Arteta said during his pre-match press conference. “We want to bring a lot of players from a system and they deserve to be here.