Arsenal had another loan debutant in midweek, as nine of a possible 15 loanees featured on the pitch over the last two days.

Tuesday

Ryan Alebiosu completed 90 minutes in a 4-1 defeat for Crewe Alexandra, despite making five tackles, winning six of nine duels, and creating a chance.

Matt Smith also played the full 90 in a defeat, as Doncaster Rovers lost 1-0 to Ipswich Town.

Brooke Norton-Cuffy made a late substitute appearance for Lincoln City to help them see out a 2-1 win, and none of the other Tuesday loanees featured.

Ainsley Maitland-Niles remained on the bench against Inter Milan, whilst Daniel Ballard, Tyreece John-Jules, and Jordi Osei-Tutu missed out thanks to their respective injury absences.

Wednesday

The big news was that Karl Hein made his Reading debut against Bristol City. That’s always an encouraging sign for a goalkeeper so soon after a move, given how hard it can be to break in. Unfortunately, they lost 2-1 through an own goal.

Runar Alex Runarsson didn’t keep a clean sheet either, but he did make six saves and two high claims in a 2-1 win for OH Leuven, so it was a very positive day for him overall.

William Saliba played at right-back as he and Matteo Guendouzi slipped to a 4-1 cup defeat to OGC Nice. The new position didn’t seem to work out well for the defender, as he struggled in the build-up to a couple of goals.

Whilst that’s a terrible result on the day, there may be some at the club who welcome having more time to focus on their Ligue 1 campaign – they’re second and chasing Champions League football. They also still have the Europa Conference League knockouts.

Folarin Balogun had a positive cameo but couldn’t find a winner for Middlesbrough in a 20-minute substitute appearance.

Hector Bellerin came on as a very late substitute for Real Betis as they knocked out Rayo Vallecano in a Copa del Rey tie.

Tim Akinola didn’t come off the bench for Dundee United in their 2-0 win, and Harry Clarke missed Hibernian’s 2-0 defeat to Rangers through injury.