Arsenal fans hoping to catch a first glimpse of 17-year-old midfielder Charlie Patino in Wednesday night’s Carabao Cup clash with AFC Wimbledon will be disappointed as Mikel Arteta has decided against including the youngster in his squad.
Patino has earned rave reviews for his displays in the U23s and has been training with the first team in the run up to the game, leading to speculation he could be set to make his debut.
Arteta has made 10 changes to the side that started the 1-0 victory over Burnley at the weekend, with midfielder Thomas Partey the only man to keep his place.
The Ghanaian’s inclusion from the off is something of a surprise, with the north London derby against Tottenham looming on Sunday, but he is still working his way back to full fitness after a delayed start to the campaign.
Elsewhere, Bernd Leno starts in goal, having seemingly lost his starting league place to new arrival Aaron Ramsdale, while there are opportunities for Eddie Nketiah and Gabriel Martinelli in attack.
Arsenal starting XI:Leno, Cedric, Holding, Mari, Tavares, Lokonga, Partey, Maitland-Niles, Martinelli, Nketiah, Lacazette
