Arsenal team news: Jakub Kiwior set to make debut vs Sporting Lisbon

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Arsenal defender Jakub Kiwior is reportedly set to make his senior debut for the club tonight in the UEFA Europa League against Sporting Lisbon.

According to Polish journalist Adam Szala, the 23-year-old centre-back will be named in Mikel Arteta’s starting XI this evening when Arsenal face Sporting in the Portuguese capital, with Kiwior finally set to play his first senior minutes for the Gunners having joined in the January window.

The Polish international joined Arsenal as a surprise signing in the winter from Serie A side Spezia, with the Gunners paying a reported £20m. However, given how important every Premier League match has been for Arteta’s side, Kiwior is yet to play a single minute of senior football.

That’s not to say the defender’s career in north London is over before it has even started, though, with Arteta himself a huge fan of Kiwior, with the Basque manager even labelling the former Spezia star as ‘incredible’ following his arrival in England in January.

Indeed, Arsenal fans have had to be patient to see Kiwior make his debut for the club, yet that wait is set to come to an end tonight, with the Polish international likely to partner with Rob Holding in central defence against Sporting, a side who could give the youngster a good test.

With Kiwior viewed as backup for Gabriel Magalhaes, the defender will want to impress on his first start for Arsenal, and with the Gunners eager to win the Europa League, a good performance from the youngster will be the perfect start for the Pole to begin his career in England.

Kiwior can make a huge statement with big display on Arsenal debut

Kiwior’s signing came out of the blue, yet for many supporters, the defender’s arrival at the Emirates Stadium was a needed one, with the 23-year-old offering vital cover in a specific role few could operate in as a left-footed centre-back, and tonight is huge for the defender.

As we know, Arsenal want to win the Europa League this season, and a strong performance this evening in Lisbon will be the perfect step in the right direction for the Gunners adding European silverware to their trophy cabinet, with Kiwior himself needing a big performance on his debut for the club.