Eddie Nketiah shows William Saliba could still make Arsenal debut this term

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Had Arsenal fans been told ahead of the start of the season that William Saliba would go into October’s international break still awaiting his debut, it is likely that many would have had serious doubts about the possibility.

Saliba looked bright in pre-season. And there seemed to be incredibly high hopes that he would take little time to establish himself as an important part of Mikel Arteta’s plans.

However, things do not appear to have quite gone to plan for the 19-year-old.

Saliba is still yet to make his debut. And it now appears that he could soon drop down a division. As noted by the London Evening Standard, he could soon join a Championship side on loan before the window shuts fully next Friday.

It may disappoint Saliba that he has not been able to hit the ground running. However, he can surely take confidence from an Arsenal teammate that he could still make his Gunners debut this term – even if he does leave on loan.

This time last year, plenty of Leeds United fans were imploring Marcelo Bielsa to hand Eddie Nketiah his first league start after his arrival on loan from the Emirates in the summer.

Nketiah had already scored two crucial Championship goals for the Whites by this stage. And his third and final league strike for the club would come soon after.

Ultimately however, Nketiah was recalled by Arsenal in January over his lack of game-time. And it certainly proved to be the right decision.

The 21-year-old ended the season having enjoyed more game-time in the Premier League than he had had in the Championship.

That should certainly inspire Saliba. If he does leave on loan and proves his quality in the next couple of months, he can perhaps follow in Nketiah’s footsteps and force his way into Arteta’s plans before the end of the campaign.

It currently looks as though Saliba may have to wait another season for his Arsenal debut. But perhaps, Nketiah’s fortunes show that that does not need be the last word on the matter by any means.