Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has included James Scanlon, a summer arrival from Manchester United, in first-team training as the club prepares for their upcoming Carabao Cup fixture. The move comes with Arsenal facing their fourth match in nine days and a third consecutive away game across all competitions, prompting Arteta to consider changes to his squad.
With Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze expected to occupy the wide attacking positions in this game, there could still be room in the matchday squad for an additional forward-minded player. That opening may benefit either Scanlon or teenage sensation Max Dowman, both of whom have been working closely with the senior group in preparation for the cup tie.
Training sessions have featured a blend of youth and experience, with academy prospects Marli Salmon, Dowman, Jaden Dixon and Harriman-Annous training alongside established first-team figures such as Eze, Bruno Guimaraes, Mikel Merino and Viktor Gyokeres. Images from the session showed Scanlon closely observing as Merino and Gyokeres contested for the ball, underlining his integration into the group despite his recent arrival at the club.
Scanlon, who has earned 24 senior international caps for Gibraltar, has already made an impression at youth level since joining Arsenal. He has featured twice for the club's U21 side, finding the net in both outings—against Chelsea and Brighton respectively. Those performances have added to the growing sense of anticipation around his development within the Arsenal setup.
Speaking after completing his move from Manchester United in the summer transfer window, Scanlon expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity to establish himself at his new club. "I like to score goals, assist, so hopefully I can excite players who watch me," he said. He added, "I'm looking forward to playing, representing the badge, improving and hopefully showing people what I can do."
His inclusion in senior training sessions suggests Arteta is keeping a close eye on the young player's progress, potentially as part of a broader strategy to manage squad fatigue during a congested fixture schedule. With Arsenal juggling commitments across multiple competitions, the depth provided by academy graduates and new signings like Scanlon could prove valuable in the weeks ahead.
The Carabao Cup fixture represents an opportunity for Arteta to rotate his squad while still fielding a competitive lineup. Given the demanding nature of the fixture list, involving players who have shown promise at youth level—such as Scanlon and Dowman—offers the manager flexibility without overburdening his regular starters.
Scanlon's trajectory since joining Arsenal has been closely watched, particularly given his international experience with Gibraltar despite his relatively young profile within the club's development pathway. His goal-scoring contributions for the U21 side against Premier League rivals Chelsea and Brighton have only heightened expectations for his continued progress.
As Arsenal navigate this demanding stretch of fixtures, the balance between rotation and maintaining competitive standards will be key. Scanlon's presence in first-team training, alongside other emerging talents, reflects the club's broader approach to squad management during this intensive period of the season. Whether he features in the matchday squad for the Carabao Cup clash remains to be seen, but his involvement in training signals that Arteta is considering all options as Arsenal continue their campaign across multiple fronts.
Based on reporting from Standard Football.