Reiss Nelson and Emile Smith Rowe can take a step closer to the Arsenal first-team tonight

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Arsenal’s U21 team take on Cambridge United tonight in the EFL Trophy.

While the young Arsenal side are already out of the competition, this game presents a window of opportunity. Some of Arsenal’s most talented academy starlets will be eager to impress in tonight’s cup clash.

This is particularly pertinent for Reiss Nelson and Emile Smith Rowe (if they play in this game rather than in the Europa League on Wednesday). Both players could take one step closer to a first-team return if they impress tonight.

Injury recovery continues

Both Nelson and Smith Rowe have struggled with injuries this season. Nelson picked up a knee injury back in October, forcing him to pull out of the England U21 games. The 19-year-old is on his way back and he featured for the U23 team last week.

Smith Rowe has played three games this season for the first-team. But his head injury against Nottingham Forest has limited his progress. The England U19 starlet has since returned to action in the Europa League but will need to prove his ongoing fitness.

Senior opposition

Arsenal face Cambridge tonight and it is a chance for the youngsters to show what they can do against senior professionals. While Cambridge play in League Two, the physical challenge will still be a test.

Nelson has a whole season of Bundesliga football under his belt so he should be able to cope with this. Smith Rowe has played nine times for Arsenal’s first-team (plus three times on loan at Red Bull Leipzig) so he will also be ready to show what he can do.

First-team chances?

Nelson and Smith Rowe both play in attacking midfield and will be eyeing first-team spots. Unai Emery has chopped and changed his team on multiple occasions this season so there could be a vacancy open up.

If either player impresses tonight, they could boost their hopes of first-team football. Alternatively, Emery might ask for them to be rested for the Europa League clash with Vitoria.