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Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

Arsenal triple injury boost and Europa League draw to affect wonderkid's chances of senior debut

Amario Cozier-Duberry could be Arsenal's next Hale End academy product, thus following in the footsteps of Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe and Eddie Nketiah.

Still only 17, it's been quite the season so far for the Gunners wonderkid. In 14 appearances for Mehmet Ali's U23s, he has weighed in with five goals and four assists, but it's his most recent outing for the U18s - managed by a former Hale End graduate Jack Wilshere - that has got many supporters talking.

With the Arsenal youngsters trailing by two goals in an FA Youth Cup tie away against Watford at Vicarage Road on Monday night, it was Cozier-Duberry who inspired a comeback victory as his overall excellent performance was capped off by netting twice from the penalty spot.

READ MORE: Amario Cozier-Duberry shows Mikel Arteta why he was wrong to shun him Arsenal senior chance

Such has been the teenager's form this season he's already caught the eye of Mikel Arteta. On numerous occasions, he has trained with senior players such as the aforementioned trio, was part of the Dubai training camp squad during the World Cup break, and impressed in a friendly against Juventus.

Furthermore, a competitive first-team debut has been close on a couple of occasions recently. Named on the bench for Premier League games against West Ham United and Everton, Cozier-Duberry has had a taste of a matchday experience at the highest level twice - even if he's not made an appearance yet.

With that in mind, when assessing the winger's chances of making his senior Arsenal debut this season, ultimately there are a number of factors to consider. One is Arteta's side are right bang in the middle of a title race and the Spaniard may not want to take any gambles in this environment.

Another is the imminent returns of three players who operate in Cozier-Duberry's position. For example, Reiss Nelson is already back in full training after a spell on the sidelines with a hamstring injury and this could mean the 17-year-old drops out of the matchday squad for this weekend's clash at home to Brentford.

Then once Emile Smith Rowe and Gabriel Jesus are fit and available for selection again following thigh and knee injuries, respectively, they will almost certainly make a Premier League matchday squad ahead of the youngster, which in turn reduces his chances of a breakthrough this season even further.

Now, one pathway toward a senior debut for Cozier-Duberry is in the form of the Europa League. Named on the bench for the group phase opener against FC Zurich back in September, he's still on player List B following last week's squad announcement and could benefit from 12 substitutes being permitted in the knockout phase.

However, it's worth pointing out that a lot depends on who Arsenal draw in the round of 16 stage - and onwards if they reach the latter stages of the competition - so it could be that the talented winger has to remain patient until next season to finally make his breakthrough.

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