James Scanlon could be closer to making his senior Arsenal debut after Mikel Arteta confirmed Bukayo Saka has sustained a quad issue, potentially forcing a change for Saturday's Premier League clash at home to Everton.
Saka limped off after 10 minutes in the 2-2 Champions League draw against Bayern Munich in midweek, going down under no real pressure and clutching his left leg before signalling to the bench to be replaced.
Arteta Confirms Injury Concern
Arteta has since confirmed the England international has a quad problem, saying: "We lost Bukayo, who actually was having a great game. They are a bit concerned. A player that has to come off with a really sharp pain is never good news but we have to wait and see."
Saka was due to undergo a scan on Thursday to determine the severity of the injury, with Arteta expected to provide further clarity in Friday's pre-match press conference.
Potential Replacements and Scanlon's Opportunity
If Saka is ruled out of the Everton game, Noni Madueke is likely to start on the right-wing having moved there after 10 minutes in the Bayern game, while Eberechi Eze could be rewarded with a much improved performance on the opposite flank.
With Christos Tzolis also doubtful with a hamstring injury, there may be space in the matchday squad for an additional attacking player alongside wonderkid Max Dowman. This could open the door for Scanlon, a summer arrival from Manchester United who has been called up by Arteta to train with the first team on several occasions, to be named in an Arsenal senior matchday squad for the very first time.
Scanlon's Availability and Record
The 20-year-old is unable to feature for Arsenal in the Champions League due to not being one of the 22 players named in the A List squad ahead of the league phase, as well as not being at the club long enough to be eligible through the B List. He can, however, feature in the Premier League, though the Arsenal U21's are also in action on Saturday so it remains to be seen which squad he is part of.
Scanlon, capped 28 times at senior international level by Gibraltar, has been a regular for the Arsenal U21's, registering three goals in four Premier League 2 appearances. "I like to score goals, assist, so hopefully I can excite players who watch me," he said upon joining the Gunners from Manchester United in the summer transfer window. "I'm looking forward to playing, representing the badge, improving and hopefully showing people what I can do."
