Arsenal's run in the League Cup provides the annual opportunity to marvel at the latest crop of youngsters and Serge Gnabry could be next to take centre stage.
The 17-year-old German is expected to make his senior debut in tonight’s third round against Coventry after signing his first professional contract this summer.
Gnabry (above) joined the Gunners just over a year ago from Stuttgart in a £100,000 deal and his progress has prompted manager Arsene Wenger to namecheck the teenager on more than one occasion when analysing his first-team options in interviews.
Gnabry, who resembles Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in physique, is a right-footed player who usually operates on the left. Only injury prevented him joining the senior squad on their pre-season tour to Asia.
Wenger said: “Serge Gnabry is a great hope for the future. I rate him highly. He had some injuries. If he continues his development, I think he could play this season in the first team. At the moment he needs to work and ensure he remains fit.
“He is in the category of Oxlade-Chamberlain and [Theo] Walcott — guys who have great power, great pace, good dribbling skills, goal-scoring potential and good vision for the final ball.”
Andrey Arshavin is expected to make his first Arsenal start of the season, while Emmanuel Frimpong will be on the substitutes’ bench after seven months out with a cruciate knee ligament injury.
Wenger confirmed youngsters Hector Bellerin, Kris Olsson, Nico Yennaris and Craig Eastmond “could be involved as well”.
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