Arsenal boss Freddie Ljungberg discusses Eddie Nketiah’s loan at Leeds United

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Arsenal interim boss Freddie Ljungberg has offered sympathy to Eddie Nketiah who is struggling to force his way into the Leeds United team during his loan spell (Football London).

The 20-year-old was expected to smash the Championship to pieces but he has been forced to play second fiddle to Patrick Bamford.

Ljungberg replaced Unai Emery in the Gunners hot-seat last week and was asked about the striker during his latest press conference.

There has been some suggestion that Nketiah might be recalled in January. If the player isn’t getting ample game time, sending him elsewhere would be an option.

The new Swedish boss has some sympathy for Nketiah though. He picked up an injury in November which stopped him adding to his tally of five goals in 12 games.

Ljungberg told Football London: “I need to be careful but I think Eddie is a great player. If he goes on loan we want him to play football and get minutes otherwise they can maybe be here. We want them on loan to get minutes.

“I feel a bit sorry for him because he is a great player and the future of this club. When he has had his chance he scores goal and that’s what he is about.

“I’ve been calling him (throughout the season) and he texted me as well two days ago. As I said, it’s on a game to game basis.”

TBR Verdict – Pointless for Arsenal to let Nketiah stay at Leeds if he isn’t going to play

The England under-21 striker seemingly proves his worth each time Bielsa throws him into the action as a substitute.

He just can’t buy a start though and that must be concerning for the Gunners.

Arsenal will naturally see Nketiah as someone who could have a real impact next season. In order for him to be up to scratch, however, he will need to play during the second half of the campaign.

If Nketiah is recalled then 23 other clubs in the Championship will surely form an orderly queue to take the player for the second half of the season.