Nigeria-eligible teenager could make his Champions League debut for Arsenal tonight

NIGERIA-eligible teenage striker Andre Harriman-Annous could make his debut for Arsenal in the Uefa Champions League tonight as he has been named in the squad to face Czech champions Slavia Prague at the Sinobo Stadium.

Harriman-Annous, 17, who is of Nigerian descent and has played for the England U18 team, was promoted to first-team training yesterday ahead of the Gunners’ trip to the Czech Republic. He was not named in Arsenal’s Uefa Youth League squad for the under-19 fixture against Slavia Prague, indicating his focus will be with the senior side.

Another prodigious talent who has emerged from the Arsenal Hale Academy, Harriman-Annous has been rewarded for his recent performances, after making his full debut for the Gunners in the Carabao Cup fourth round last week. He started against Brighton & Hove Albion at the Emirates Stadium, featuring for 77 minutes as Arsenal secured a 2–0 victory to progress to the quarter finals.

Tonight, striker Viktor Gyokeres is ruled out through injury, opening the door for Harriman-Annous to provide Mikel Arteta with another option in attack.  At the moment, the Gunners are facing multiple absences in the forward positions with Kai Havertz, Noni Madueke, Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus and Martin Odegaard all unavailable for selection.

Harriman-Annous's inclusion in the first-team squad for the Champions League marks another step in his rapid progression at Arsenal, as he continues to gain experience at the senior level. He travelled with the in-form Arsenal squad who are on a 12-game unbeaten streak in all competitions and are currently in Prague ahead of tonight's game.