Nigeria-eligible Arsenal teenager Henry Timi Davies returns to action for the first time this season

NIGERIA-eligible striker Henry Timi Davies has made his first appearance for the Arsenal U18 team this season when he featured for the Gunners youth team yesterday in a 2-2 draw with Leicester City.

Davies. 18, had not figured for the Arsenal youth teams since September 2022 because he was recovering from a long term injury. Born to Nigerian parents, he initially joined Arsenal on scholarship terms and the deal was then upgraded to a professional contract in December 2021.

Just as his career was getting off the ground, Davies suffered a terrible injury, which has kept him on the sidelines for this season. However, Arsenal's U18 boss Jack Wilshere handed Davies a starting berth against the Foxes yesterday and he was on the pitch for the entirety of the first half before making way for Luis Brown.

Back in March 2021, Davies arrived at Arsenal from Manchester City with a huge reputation but injuries have slowed down his progress, having made only two appearances in the U18 Premier League. He is now hoping to regain full fitness and live up to his billing as he features for the rest of the season.

In yesterday's game, Leicester City had established a two-goal lead inside 32 minutes courtesy of strikes from Leon Briggs and Amani Richards but Arsenal mounted a comeback in the second half, halving the deficit through Seb Ferdinand before Michal Rosiak scored directly from a corner to equalise. Arsenal U18s will now play their biggest game of the season on Tuesday, April 25 when they take on London neighbours West Ham United in the final of the FA Youth Cup.