Mikel Arteta Confirms Charlie Patino In Contention To Play Against Nottingham Forest

Mikel Arteta confirms wonderkid, Charlie Patino is in contention to play in FA Cup tie…

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta confirmed that Charlie Patino will be in contention to face Nottingham Forest in Sunday’s FA Cup tie as the boss attempts to muster up an XI to fulfil the fixture, he told reporters (via Arsenal.com).

The 18-year-old midfielder made his debut in last month’s Carabao Cup quarter-final win against Sunderland, where he found the net minutes after coming on.

His short cameo confirmed the whispers many have been hearing about the cultured midfielder, with former Arsenal scout Brian Stapleton labelling him as “the best kid I’ve ever seen” (via Goal).

Patino’s potential inclusion in the team comes due to our shortage in midfield at the moment with Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny away at the Africa Cup of Nations.

That has been compounded further by the impending departure of Ainsley Maitland-Niles on loan to Roma, something Arteta confirmed is imminent in the report above.

Also, we’re unaware of the current Covid-19 situation at the club and the added problems that may bring in terms of the options available to the manager.

Asked if we may see Patino at The City Ground, Arteta confirmed he would be in contention since he’s training with the first-team squad.

“All of the players involved in the first team have the opportunity to do that and they have to feel that they have the chance to do that,” Arteta answered.

“Charlie is not an exception.”

It will be interesting to see if the teenager is included from the start – which would represent a real show of faith from the boss.