‘Ready to play’: Arteta hints he could unleash another exciting Arsenal gem tonight besides Nelson

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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has hinted at game time for Marquinhos on Thursday night.

The Gunners boss spoke about the 19-year-old at his pre-match press conference ahead of the Bodo/Glimt match (HaytersTV).

Marquinhos was Arsenal’s first signing of the summer, joining from Sao Paulo for £3million.

He arrived at the Emirates as one for the future and wasn’t really expected to be thrown in at the deep end.

In July, Mikel Arteta suggested that he was open to sending Marquinhos out on loan.

But a month later, the Arsenal boss said the teenager would stick around until at least January.

Marquinhos made his debut against FC Zurich in the Europa League, registering a goal and an assist.

The Brazilian has since made another appearance, coming off the bench against Brentford in the Premier League.

With games now coming in thick and fast for Arsenal, Arteta has to manage his players’ minutes carefully.

On Thursday, the Gunners host 2021 Norwegian champions Bodo/Glimt at the Emirates.

And Arteta said that, while Arsenal need to “be careful” with the jump in quality at the highest level, he stresses that Marquinhos is “ready to play”.

The Gunners boss said: “Obviously he hasn’t played much with us but he had a really good precision and he’s ready to play.

“He hasn’t had enough exposure at that highest level, it’s a big jump and we need to be careful with that.”

Arsenal in a great position to manage Marquinhos game time – TBR View

With Arsenal enjoying such a great start to the season, there hasn’t been as much pressure for Arteta to throw players like Marquinhos in at the deep end.

The Gunners boss can afford to rest his big guns in Europa League games. This will allow the likes of Marquinhos to show what he can do.

And if things don’t go to plan, Arteta can always bring his in-form senior players off the bench.

The Arsenal boss has shown that managing minutes for young players is worth it in the end.

Look at the likes of Gabriel Martinelli and William Saliba – Arteta resisted calls to throw them in at the deep end.

Could Marquinhos reach their level? It’s possible.