Arsenal talent Mauro Bandeira was involved in first-team training ahead of tonight’s Europa League clash with Sporting.
That’s according to Arsenal Youth creator Jeorge Bird, who notes that a number of youngsters were in senior training.
Defender Reuell Walters and attacker Charles Sagoe Jr were involved too as Mikel Arteta put his players through their paces.
Bandeira was seen too and there is a chance for the midfielder to be included on the bench against Sporting tonight.
Fabio Vieira has been ill in recent days and that means Arsenal may need to take additional midfield depth into this game.
Bandeira may not be quite as creative as Vieira but he could provide an option from the bench for Arsenal this evening.
Bandeira is in the ‘player list B’ part of Arsenal’s Europa League squad but there has been no confirmation yet that he has travelled to Lisbon.
Who is Arsenal prospect Mauro Bandeira?
Bandeira was actually seen in Arsenal first-team training in early 2022 but hasn’t yet appeared in the Premier League.
The 19-year-old hails from Loures in Portugal, meaning this potential trip to Lisbon is a return to his home country.
Bandeira joined Arsenal way back in 2016 having been spotted playing in Barnet.
Now an important player for Arsenal’s Under-21’s, Bandeira has played 14 times in Premier League 2 this season with two goals and one assist to his name.
Arsenal’s official website notes that Bandeira is an ‘energetic’ box-to-box midfielder and he signed a new contract last summer.
Bandeira would no doubt love to make his Arsenal debut in Portugal and Mikel Arteta may well be considering handing him an emotional debut off the bench.
Arsenal won’t be taking this game lightly though and Bandeira’s debut dreams will be more in hope than expectation as the Gunners seek a positive first-leg result.
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