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Mikel Arteta could give 20-year-old Arsenal youngster his full debut tonight vs Zurich – TBR View

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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta might just have mixed emotions about the upcoming World Cup break.

He’ll be very aware that maintaining his side’s amazing form is going to be difficult, while acknowledging some of his players need a rest.

Arteta spoke to the press, via the club’s official website, ahead of their Europa League match against FC Zurich.

The Arsenal manager gave an update on the fitness of a number of his players.

It was good news for Bukayo Saka, who could play a part tonight despite limping off against Nottingham Forest.

Arsenal Training Session
Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images

Arteta also offered a positive update on Mohamed Elneny , who’s been unavailable since August.

One player Arteta didn’t offer an update on was goalkeeper Matt Turner.

Turner arrived at the Emirates in the summer from MLS side New England Revolution.

The American has been Arteta’s chosen cup goalkeeper this season, playing in each of Arsenal’s first four Europa League games.

However, he’s currently unavailable due to a groin injury according to The Athletic.

This could give Arteta the chance to give young goalkeeper Karl Hein a chance to make his debut tonight.

Arteta missing Turner in goal

Arteta has highlighted how important it is to give his first-team players a rest when possible.

Aaron Ramsdale stepped in for Turner last week against PSV Eindhoven.

“It is a challenge but we have been trying to load the players pretty equally over the last five or six weeks, because we have been playing every three days and we have managed to do that,” Arteta said.

Arsenal Training Session
Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images

“You have seen that we haven’t repeated too many blocks of four games for certain individuals and we will try to continue to do that to get everyone as fresh as possible and with enough rhythm heading into the game.”

Arteta therefore may decide to give Ramsdale a rest tonight ahead of their trip to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea on Sunday.

If he does, Hein is the next goalkeeper in line to play for the Gunners.

Hein could make his Arsenal debut tonight

He’s been on the bench for every Europa League game this season, showing Arteta trusts him to play in case of an injury.

In the absence of Turner, he was also Arsenal’s back-up in the Premier League against Nottingham Forest.

Although Hein has never played for Arsenal’s first-team, he does have experience playing at the highest level.

He’s already an Estonian international, and has earned 16 senior caps.

Northampton Town v Arsenal U-21 - Papa John's Trophy
Photo by Pete Norton/Getty Images

Hein has faced the likes of Romelu Lukaku and Eden Hazard and kept a clean sheet against Gareth Bale.

It would be a deserved reward for Hein to make this debut for Arsenal tonight.

Arsenal decided not to loan him out in the summer, and he’s helped the under-21 side reach the top of Premier League 2.

A win against FC Zurich guarantees Arsenal’s place at the top of the group this evening.

It would be a massive show of faith in Hein if Arteta gave him a chance tonight.