Arsenal could reintroduce some of their returning stars into actionin their under-21s match on Tuesday evening against Cardiff. In what is the last match before the winter break for the youth side, Mikel Arteta could utilise the special rules that allow over-age players to be involved.
It is something which he has used in the past to great effect, especially after the competition was revamped for the 2022/23 season from an under-23s format to under-21s.
During the transition, the Premier League also increased the number of over-age players to facilitate the change. A statement on the official websiteread: “Clubs will be permitted to use five (previously three) over-age outfield players and one over-age goalkeeper, in order to transition from its Under-23 format.”
This could mean that, if available to, Viktor Gyokeres, Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz, and Noni Madueke could all be part of Max Porter’s squad for the trip to the Cardiff City Stadium. Martin Odegaard has flown out to join up with the Norwegian national side, however, during the break, so would not be involved.
The alternative option would be a behind-closed-doors friendly to help with recovery; however, with an already scheduled match, which allows for a number of over-age players to return, this could be a better option. Jurrien Timber was a part of the under-21s team on multiple occasions while returning from his serious knee injury during the 2023/24 season.
Arteta said prior to his involvement at the time, “We need to have the certainty that he’s ready to go.” This could also apply to the likes of Havertz and company, with games against Tottenham, Bayern Munich and Chelsea coming after the international break.
These are far from ideal games to bed in injured players with such pressure associated with all three. The youth game, meanwhile, would take the pressure off and allow a much more controlled environment to give them some competitive minutes before reintegration into the senior set-up.
Several have already returned to training, in addition to Gabriel Jesus, who has been missing since the start of the year with his own serious knee injury, which required surgery. The Brazilian’s return however is thought still to be some time away considering the seriousness and length of the injury and subsequent absence.
