If Jesus doesn’t travel, Mikel Arteta could give 19-year-old goal machine his Arsenal debut tomorrow – TBR View

Add as preferred source on Google

Arsenal are preparing to face Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League tomorrow.

Mikel Arteta’s squad have a relentless schedule to deal with ahead of next month’s World Cup.

The Spanish manager may need to use tomorrow’s trip to Norway as a chance to rest some key players.

One of those could potentially be Brazilian striker Gabriel Jesus.

Jesus was absent from Arsenal training today ahead of the squad travelling to Scandinavia.

However, the Brazilian did pass a fitness test if Arteta wished to call on the 25-year-old.

If Arteta did decide to give Jesus a much-deserved rest, he has already identified his potential replacement from the academy.

Arteta decided to call up four youngsters to training ahead of their European trip.

One of those players was 19-year-old forward Khayon Edwards.

In his latest update on the Arsenal squad, Goal journalist Charles Watts said: “Khayon Edwards trained today, which I imagine if Jesus stays (in England) Khayon Edwards will go because he’ll be the other striker.

“So, you’ll have Nketiah start and Khayon Edwards on the bench.”

Edwards, who has previously been compared to Bukayo Saka, has been scoring goals for fun in Arsenal’s academy.

Now, Arteta could be in a position to hand Edwards his Arsenal debut.

Arteta could give Edwards his Arsenal debut

Edwards has been a prolific striker in Arsenal’s academy for some time.

He signed a three-year contract at The Emirates in May that keeps him at the club until 2025.

This was despite speculation that plenty of Premier League clubs and teams abroad were interested in signing him.

Edwards would have seen a number of Arsenal players come through the academy to make an impact in the first team.

Saka, Emile Smith Rowe and Eddie Nketiah are the best examples, but Arteta hasn’t been afraid to throw younger players into the team.

15-year-old Ethan Nwaneri even broke the Premier League record for youngest ever player just last month.

Edwards has been injured this season, but has still notched two goals in his four under-21 appearances.

He’s been prolific at under-18 level, averaging more than a goal every other game at that level.

Eddie Nketiah has started both Europa League matches so far this season, and already has two goals and an assist.

Arteta clearly trusts the young Englishman to lead the line in Europe.

With this in mind, and Jesus potentially needing a rest after being brought off early against Liverpool at the weekend, it could be the perfect opportunity to include Edwards.

If he does travel to Norway, Edwards will be hoping he finally gets to make his Arsenal debut.