Unai Emery has named four youth players as ones who are ‘coming through’ in addition to Eddie Nketiah, Joe Willock and Emile Smith Rowe.

Youthful

Arsenal took an inexperienced squad on their trip around Ukraine ahead of their Europa League group game against Poltava on Thursday night.

With qualification already sealed, Arsenal know a win in Kiev will secure top spot in the group.

Despite that, Unai Emery has opted to leave a host of senior players at home with a watchful eye on Sunday’s match against Tottenham Hotspur who will be buoyed by their 1-0 win over Inter Milan on Wednesday night ahead of one of their two cup finals of the season.

Speaking to the press, Emery was asked about the young players in his squad. “We have a big responsibility with young players,” the head coach said.

“At Arsenal, every year we are working very well with young players. When there are matches like tomorrow’s in a very big week for us, where we are playing a lot of matches, we have players to cover here. We need to give them chances. They are working with us in all the sessions and also in pre-season.

“They are coming with us because we can give them chances tomorrow and also because we would prefer for some players to not do this long travelling. We prefer for them to stay in London working for the next match on Sunday. The Europa League is very important for us and it’s very important for us to win tomorrow and come first in this group.

“The young players are going to have chances. Then you know that some players like Eddie Nketiah, like Willock, like Emile Smith Rowe, have played. Then other younger players are coming through with us like Bukayo, Dominic, Zech and Charlie. For us, it’s not different because they are working with us every day.”

Bukayo Saka, Dominic Thompson, Zech Medley and Charlie Gilmour are all included in the Arsenal squad along with Dejan Iliev, Jordan Osei-Tutu, and Tyreece John Jules.

Click next to read what Arsenal.com had to say about the four exciting players Emery named:

Bukayo Saka

“An electric winger, Bukayo has been a constant threat to opposing defences this season, coming off the left-hand side to devastating effect. Blessed with pace and power, the 17-year-old Hale End graduate has benefited from Reiss Nelson’s loan move to Hoffenheim by forcing his way into Freddie Ljungberg’s plans.”

Dominic Thompson

“A consistent performer on the left flank, Dominic cemented his place as our under-18s’ first-choice left back last season. Previously a central midfielder when he joined us back in 2012, the 18-year-old is comfortable on the ball and is capable of stretching play with accurate long balls.”

Zech Medley

“Signed from Chelsea as a scholar in November 2016, Zech is a tall and powerful central defender. Having started last season as captain of our under-18s, the teenager’s powerful performances saw him earn his first start at under-23 level – and he’s not looked back.

“Zech, 18,  has made 17 Premier League 2 appearances since and has proven himself to be a reliable force at the heart of defence. Capable of playing on the left flank too, the teenager is a boyhood Arsenal fan and enjoys carrying the ball into midfield.”

Charlie Gilmour

“A reliable central midfielder, Charlie has become an integral part of our under-23s side. Equipped with a keen eye for a pass, the 19-year-old has also operated as an effective shield for our youngsters’ back line and is a dependable penalty taker.”