Hale End Graduates may be needed by Arsenal in the coming weeks to help make up for the shortage in attack as injury list grows.
Arsenal’s injury crisis continues to grow and ahead of their return to action this weekend, Kai Havertz has been lost for the remainder of the season.
The information was a big blow, which adds to the already turgid injury list at the club, with fellow striker Gabriel Jesus already been ruled out for the remainder of the season since January.
The two strikers at the club will play no more part this season, while Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka are not expected to be back in action until the second half of March.
Englishman Bukayo Saka was Arsenal’s standout performer before his injury in December, which has taken a toll on the club’s performances as his influence in their attack can not be replicated by another in the squad.
Arsenal passed the chance to sign attacking reinforcement in the January transfer window, with speculations linking them with move for Benjamin Sesko and later Ollie Watkins.
However, unable to sign players as the transfer window closed at the start of February, Arsenal can not also call back a player like Reiss Nelson who is currently on loan at Fulham as the ruling in England does not allow a player to be recalled when the window is not opened.
Although during the January window, they did attempt to call back Fabio Vieira, the Portuguese midfielder on loan at FC Porto, but the club did not agree to return the player as it was not part of their initial agreement.
Arsenal has also ruled out the prospect of signing a free agent player, revealing the information to keep off player agents from approaching them on behalf of free agent players.
The current availability attacking options at Arsenal are Leandro Trossard and Raheem Sterling, the latter who had not been convincing since the start of his loan spell from Chelsea.
The one final option that make it three is 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri. Although it sounds great that the teenager will finally get a genuine run on the team, but it also means he may be overburdened without replacements.
With Arsenal vying for top honors, this crisis could open the door for Hale End graduates to make their mark in the first team.
The talent emerging from the Arsenal’s academy is widely regarded as some of the best in English football, and now, with the injury crisis, these promising youngsters might be called upon sooner than expected.
Last season, Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly became a part of the first team and this term, their time finally came and are currently enjoying a good run with the team. The time for others, most notably attackers might be here.
Three Hale End Graduates to augment Arsenal’s depleted Attack
1. Nathan Butler-Oyedeji
Nathan Butler-Oyedeji, a dynamic forward, has been impressing for the U-21s and could be the ideal candidate to provide some much-needed firepower.
He has been at Arsenal since he was eight and turned professional in 2021. The English youngster has spent time on loan at Accrington Stanley and Cheltenham Town, while he made his Arsenal debut in a 3-0 UEFA Champions League win over Dinamo Zagreb in January.
Known for his pace, strength, and finishing ability, Butler-Oyedeji has the potential to step into the senior team and make an immediate impact.
The 22-year-old was set to leave the club on a permanent in January but the club changed their stance on the decision due to shortage of attackers. His time may finally be here.
2. Khayon Edwards
Khayon Edwards is another name on the rise, one Mikel Arteta can look up to in these trying time. Has been at the club since he was five and turned professional in 2022.
A natural goalscorer, Edwards has been consistent in his development and could offer Arsenal a direct, clinical alternative to their current attacking lineup.
His performances in the lower tiers suggest that he has the qualities to succeed at the highest level, and he could prove invaluable during this injury crisis.
Although, Edwards is yet to make an appearance for the Arsenal first team, he spent the second half of last season on loan at Leyton Orient, where he had a bit of needed first team experience.
3. Ismael Kabia
Ismael Kabia, though not as well-known as some of his peers, has displayed versatility in attack, able to operate across the front line.
His ability to adapt and contribute in various positions makes him an intriguing option for Arteta. Kabia’s technical skills and adaptability could make him a key figure in the Gunners’ reshuffled attack during this turbulent period.
He has been with the senior team since September 2024, when he made the squad for their 1-0 win away to Tottenham Hotspur and made his senior debut later in the year, coming on as a substitute in the 5-1 Carabao Cup win over Bolton Wanderers later in the month.
Andre Harriman-Annous; The Hale End talent
Although, the 17-year-old is still with the Under-18 and is yet a professional, he has displayed great clinical prowess and amassed impressive numbers with the team this season.
May be farfetched compared to other options due to his rawness but definitely one to watch out for in the coming years at the club.
Conclusion
A couple of the names mentioned will be expected to play a part with the first team starting this weekend, when Mikel Arteta leads the side to the King Power Stadium to face relegation threaten Leicester City.
The Spaniard couldn’t have had a better fixture to experiment with these available options and he will hope they see the game out as early as can be, so that he can give an exhibition to these youngsters.
After games against Leicester City, West Ham United and Nottingham Forest, Arteta will hope to have Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli back in action at the end of the international break in March, ahead of a crucial trip to Old Trafford.
Kehinde-Hassan Afolabi
