Step up or Ship out?

The game time of our youngsters has dramatically decreased since Mikel Arteta has taken over. In fact a lot of signs point to a strong team being used in the Europa League with the League Cup games so far have also seen less of the squad being used than normally. Bukayo Saka is the exception to the rule, while Eddie Nketiah continues to be involved as the back up striker.

It also seems as if a few youngsters are fighting for a similar role.
Given the condensed schedule, the Europa League could make or break some of the younger players chances.

Joe Willock - Zero PL appearances - 2 starts in EFL Cup
Joe started all but the last EL game last season, and also made 8 PL starts and 21 sub appearances, so his lack of game time is a bit of a statement about his progress. With Partey signed, and a continuation of a bastardisation of 3-4-3 being used, big question marks over where he would fit in. He has even been used in a wing back role.
Given this is his last year of squad exemption, big questions will have to be asked of his future if he continues to fail to get game time.

Reiss Nelson - Zero PL appearances - 1 EFL Cup appearance.
Reiss has failed to even make the bench in the PL this season, with the signing of Willian further pushing him down the pecking order despite Martinelli being out. He actually started the early PL games of Artetas tenure, 5 of his 7 PL starts last season coming since Arteta took over.
There were rumours of him going out on loan in the last window, so it looks like he has the next 3 months to convince otherwise it is likely he will temporarily leave in January.
Like Joe, Reiss is in the last season of squad exemption. Eddie is the third player in this situation, although we only named 5 HG players in a squad of 22 this season so isn't a massive issue.

Emile Smith-Rowe - Zero appearances.
Slightly different tale, as ESR has been injured all season. He made a 45 minute appearance for the reserves on Saturday, so it looks unlikely he will be fit enough to be involved from the start tomorrow.
Given the formation it is hard to see a role for ESR at the moment, but given Ozils exclusion a change to a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 could suit him.

Folarin Balogun - Zero appearances.
If we are looking for a breakthrough player, then it is the much discussed Balogun who is best placed. A first team debut may help convince him to sign a new contract. However, given Lacazette and Nketiah were benched on Saturday it may be unlikely that Balogun will get much of a chance until the later games.
Balogun broke his PL2 duck for the season at the weekend with 2 goals to add to his EFL trophy effort in the win over Ipswich.


All 4 of the above could be considered for departures in January if they cannot break into Mikel Arteta's plans before then. The Europa looks the only chance they will get to impress - and they will be fighting each other for a place in the XI.