Three Arsenal youngsters are with the squad in Portugal, could be in the squad tonight

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Mikel Arteta has now decided to take three Arsenal youngsters with his squad to Portugal for their crucial Champions League tie tonight.

Arteta seems very aware of Arsenal’s need to improve their record in the Champions League knockout stages.

But in truth, that is a record that isn’t particularly relevant to the current Arsenal squad, with many yet to experience this stage of the competition whilst at the Emirates.

Under Martin Odegaard’s quiet but confident stewardship, Arsenal are in a new era, and they’ve got a chance to prove their resilience tonight.

That being said, Mikel Arteta has seen it necessary to take a number of young Arsenal players to Portugal, and it seems there could be an opportunity for one or two on the bench.

It was reported yesterday that Myles Lewis-Skelly had been in Arsenal training before the trip, but he wasn’t one of those who travelled.

Arsenal’s squad was actually seen in a video uploaded by a fan in Portugal for the game.

And as well as Ethan Nwaneri, who was known to be travelling, Ayden Heaven and James Sweet were also with the squad. 

Ayden Heaven, James Sweet and Ethan Nwaneri with Arsenal squad in Portugal

Of course, this could be pretty significant for Heaven and Sweet who haven’t featured often with the Arsenal senior squad.

In fact, Heaven hasn’t actually been named in a senior Arsenal squad at all.

So if the 17-year-old is named in the match day squad it will be a well deserved reward for the excellent progress he’s been making this season.

In terms of Arsenal’s starting XI, Mikel Arteta is only expected to make one change in Portugal.

Kai Havertz could very well be Arsenal’s striker for a tough evening against Porto, when Arteta will need his most tactically astute players.

And although Fabio Vieira has finally returned to fitness and travelled with the squad, Thomas Partey has remained in London. 

Moreover, speaking of players who are still in England, Albert Sambi Lokonga has now been discussing his relationship with an Arsenal teammate.