Report: 3 Arsenal first-team stars will be playing for the Under-21s tonight

Three Arsenal first-team players are reportedly playing for the Gunners Under-21s in the Premier League Cup tonight.

Arsenal’s academy side will take on Swansea City at Meadow Park in a 7pm kickoff.

According to the Evening Standard, Emile Smith Rowe, Fabio Vieira and Cedric Soares will play for the Gunners U21s.

A groin issue has disrupted Smith Rowe’s pre-season, but he took part in full training last week.

The 22-year-old also came off the bench late on in Arsenal’s 4-2 win over Leicester City at the weekend.

Smith Rowe will now get further minutes on Wednesday night as he builds back to full fitness, said the Standard.

Meanwhile, Vieira has also seen his pre-season disrupted, a foot injury in his case.

That said, he too managed to train last week.

The U21s are allowed to field up to five over-age outfield players and one over-age goalkeeper.

Takehiro Tomiyasu played for the U21s in their opening game of the season.

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Arsenal have enjoyed a superb summer on the transfer front and have hit the ground running in the Premier League.

There isn’t as much pressure on Smith Rowe right now, thanks to Gabriel Martinelli’s bright start to the campaign.

Likewise, Vieira will be allowed plenty of time to acclimatise to English football and get back up to full match fitness.

And while Cedric may not be a regular starter, he’s a key part of Arsenal’s dressing room.

It’ll be good to see how they fare, and if they can help the U21s progress in the PLP, all the better.