Arsenal teenager Ainsley Maitland-Niles could be on the bench for the Gunners in their match against FC Basel, whom they will be facing in the Champions League. He has been training with the first team squad ahead of the much-anticipated clash. Arsenal earned a fortuitous 1-1 draw with Paris Saint-Germain in their last group match and will be looking for a far more assured display in tonight’s game.
The player was on loan at Ipswich Town last season and appeared 32 times for them. With Jenkinson and Mathieu Debuchy both injured, the teenager could be the back-up to Hector Bellerin. He had earlier played in the UEFA Youth League match against Galatasaray in 2014 which the Gunners won 4-1. The 19-year old has 11 caps for the England U-19 team and has netted two times for the Three Lions.
Wenger’s affinity towards promoting homegrown talent is well-documented and the youngster will feel he stands a good chance of forcing his way into first-team consideration if he continues his good work.
