"He can adapt for the demands" - Mikel Arteta provides response when asked if youngster can replace injured Bukayo Saka in Arsenal lineup

Arsenal's manager Mikel Arteta has claimed that Ethan Nwaneri can adapt to the demands of the attack. This comes after Bukayo Saka's hamstring injury has created a void in the Gunners’ right wing. Saka successfully underwent surgery and he's expected to be on the sidelines till March.

Thus, in a press conference ahead of the clash against Brighton on Saturday (January 4), Arteta was asked if Nwaneri was Saka's natural replacement. He said (via Football London):

"He's a player who can play in various positions. It's not a position he's played a lot, even when he was in the academy, but he can adapt for the demands we have in two or three positions. I think he did really well the other day."

Nwaneri replaced Saka in the right-wing in the Gunners’ 3-1 win over Brentford on January 1, 2025. In 78 minutes on the pitch against Brentford, he had a passing accuracy of 92% (22/24). He registered two key passes and was successful in two out of three dribble attempts (via Sofascore).

Aside from his preferred attacking midfield role, the youngster could feature as a right-winger and center-forward. In 17 appearances this season, he has scored four goals. It remains to be seen if he could sufficiently replace Saka in attack.

"He’s starting to do some stuff on the pitch” - Arsenal's manager Mikel Arteta on Raheem Sterling

Brentford FC v Arsenal FC - Premier League - Source: Getty

The Gunners manager has also claimed that Raheem Sterling is close to returning to the pitch. Sterling has missed the Gunners's last three games due to a knee problem.

In a press conference, Arteta provided an update on Sterling. He said (via Football London):

"He’s starting to do some stuff on the pitch, so that's great news. As quickly as possible we want him available. Let’s see how he progresses next week and then see if we can get him available for the following week."

Sterling's flexibility to feature in multiple attacking positions including the right-wing could stand to benefit Arsenal amidst Saka's injury. The Englishman has scored one goal and provided two assists in 11 appearances this season.