Mikel Arteta calls up ‘tall and skilful’ young full-back to Arsenal training pre-Newcastle

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Arsenal will look to get back to winning ways in the Premier League when they face on Newcastle United in Saturday’s 12:30pm kick-off.

Mikel Arteta’s Gunners head to St James’ Park on the back of a comprehensive 3-0 win over Preston North End in the Carabao Cup.

Arsenal have picked up just one point from their last two league games, so they’ll be eager to bounce back when they take on Eddie Howe’s charges.

Meanwhile, Newcastle’s league form has been poor of late, but they face Arsenal on the back of a 2-0 win over Chelsea in the Carabao Cup.

READ MORE: Arsenal predicted XI v Newcastle as Ethan Nwaneri decision made and £50m star misses out

Josh Ogunnaike spotted in Arsenal training ahead of Newcastle clash

On Friday, the Gunners media team shared photos of their players in training, and several youth players were spotted in the session at the Sobha Realty Training Centre.

One player who took part in Friday’s session is a skilful 16-year-old left-back who earned promotion to the Under-18s at the start of the season.

The player in question is Josh Ogunnaike, who was pictured jostling with Kai Havertz for the ball.

Who is Arsenal academy player Josh Ogunnaike?

Ogunnaike, born on 4 April 2008, has come through the ranks at Hale End before signing scholarship terms in July 2024.

The 16-year-old previously featured for Arsenal Under-17s at the Flamengo Adidas Cup in Brazil.

As per Gunners youth expert Jeorge Bird, Ogunnaike made his U18s debut in April 2024 against Brighton.

The ‘tall and skilful left-back’ – in Bird’s words – has made four appearances for Arsenal’s Under-18s this season.

Ogunnaike is likely to feature for the Gunners U18s when they face Crystal Palace on Saturday morning.