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Photo: Arteta calls up 18-year-old with a ‘wicked left foot’ to Arsenal training pre-Brentford

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Mikel Arteta has been putting the Arsenal players through their paces ahead of Saturday’s Premier League meeting with Brentford.

The Gunners host their fellow London outfit at the Emirates Stadium in a 3pm kickoff.

Arsenal haven’t played a game since 10 February, when they ran out 1-0 winners away at Wolves.

It provided a much-needed boost for the Gunners, who failed to win a game in January.

Arsenal will also hope to avenge their 2-0 defeat to Brentford in the Premier League’s first game of the 2021-22 season.

On Friday, the Gunners split their training session between the London Colney pitches and the gym due to Storm Eunice.

Arsenal’s media team shared numerous photos of the players and coaches in training action.

And Hale End prodigy Omari Hutchinson was pictured in the session.

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

Hutchinson is one of the most talented players at the Arsenal academy.

The 18-year-old has progressed through the ranks at Hale End since joining the Gunners setup at the age of 11.

Hutchinson is known for his technical ability, passing and speed, earning comparisons with Raheem Sterling (The Sun).

The midfielder, who penned professional terms in November 2020, stepped up to the Arsenal Under-23s last summer.

He’s already a cut above at that level, registering seven goals and six assists from 18 age appearances this term.

Mikel Arteta is yet to give Hutchinson his senior Arsenal debut, though he has made three matchday squads this year.

Hutchinson was on the bench against Burnley in the league, Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup, and the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg against Liverpool.

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

One of the best teenagers in world football

FourFourTwo recently listed their top 50 teenagers in world football and named Hutchinson at number 36.

“Omari Hutchinson is more exciting than Bukayo Saka was in the Under-23s at Arsenal,” they wrote.

“The teenager has a similarly wicked left foot and an ability to cut in from the left.

“But he’s flashier, enjoys a mazy run and plays like he’s on his lunchtime at school.

“With Nicolas Pepe’s future uncertain, Hutchinson might be ready to make the step up to become a squad player next season.

“Mikel Arteta is keen on giving opportunities to kids and with Hutchinson bullying youth defenders, perhaps he’ll get his chance very soon.”