Eberechi Eze has received a significant boost to his hopes of starting more games for Arsenal after manager Mikel Arteta suggested the England international will have "many opportunities" to play.
Speaking on Monday, Arteta addressed the forward's situation following his surprise omission from the starting lineup against Leeds United last weekend. Eze was left on the bench as Noni Madueke was preferred on the left flank in the Gunners' 2-1 victory at the Emirates Stadium.
Arteta outlines selection criteria
Ahead of Arsenal's Champions League tie with Lille, Arteta explained the standards that Eze and other players struggling for game time must meet to earn a place in the side.
"Like everybody else I think they need to earn the right to play," the Spaniard said. "That's up to training sessions and when you are on that pitch to have the impact on the game that the team needs, in order to achieve that."
He added: "He [Eze] is going to have many opportunities to do that. His attitude is phenomenal and our players have to adapt as well to his qualities."
Madueke impresses while Eze waits
Madueke, who was selected ahead of Eze last weekend, played the full 90 minutes and impressed his manager with his performance. The former Crystal Palace star was an unused substitute.
Eze has not started a league game this season for Arsenal, with his appearances limited to substitute cameos. He did, however, feature in the starting lineup for the League Cup and Champions League wins over Ipswich and Napoli respectively.
