Wellington Silva has signed for Bolton on a season-long loan, but the Brazilian took no part in their 1-0 defeat at MK Dons on Tuesday night – because they were late registering him.

With the announcement being made by the player on Tuesday (Arsenal still haven’t said anything) Neil Lennon has revealed that they missed the deadline by three minutes meaning that his debut will have to wait until the weekend.

Speaking to BBC Radio Manchester after the game, Lennon said “Silva should have been playing tonight but we missed the registration time by three minutes.

“He would have made a big difference to the way we wanted to play, so he will definitely come into contention on Saturday.

LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 30: Wellington Silva during a pre season friendly match between Leyton Orient and an Arsenal XI at the Matchroom Stadium on July 30, 2013 in London, England. (Photo by Ben Hoskins/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 30: Wellington Silva during a pre season friendly match between Leyton Orient and an Arsenal XI at the Matchroom Stadium on July 30, 2013 in London, England. (Photo by Ben Hoskins/Getty Images)

“We think he is a good player and will make us better.”

This will be Wellington’s sixth loan spell since he signed for Arsenal in 2011 but his first in England after he finally became eligible for a work permit last year.

Still only 22, it will be a great chance to get a better look at him for all Arsenal fans.