Arteta calls up 21-year-old to first-team training, he hasn't played two years

Arsenal are already through to the knockout stages of the Europa League, but there’s still something to play for tonight against FC Zurich.

A win would guarantee the Gunners finish top of their group, and avoid a play-off.

Given how congested this season’s fixture list already is, the result of today’s match could end up being very important.

There were some positive signs spotted in training yesterday ahead of this evening’s match at The Emirates.

Bukayo Saka was spotted on the training pitch with his teammates after limping off against Nottingham Forest.

Both players have been given minutes in the Europa League already, and it would be a surprise if they didn’t play today.

Another player who was spotted in first-team training at Arsenal was young goalkeeper James Hillson.

Hillson spotted in Arsenal training

The chances of Hillson being involved tonight are still very slim.

In all likelihood Aaron Ramsdale will deputise for Turner as he did in their defeat to PSV Eindhoven.

Arteta could give an opportunity to Karl Hein who has been on the bench for every Europa League this season.

Hillson has been at Arsenal since 2019, when he left Reading’s academy to head to north London.

He’s been a regular member of Arsenal’s under-21 squad, but hasn’t tasted competitive action for some time.

Since then, he’s spent much of his time deputising for Hein and Hubert Graczyk.

He’s been on the bench for the senior team before, but never been close to being involved.

Hillson being in first-team training for Arsenal is a good step up, but he looks like he’ll need to leave the club soon to start playing football.