Eddie Nketiah says he’s putting the team first amid his disappointment at not starting more games for Arsenal this season.

Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah has made plenty of appearances this season, playing 37 times in all competitions, but that doesn’t really tell the whole story.

In terms of starts, Nketiah is only up to 13, and none of those starts have come in 2024. The 24-year-old last made an Arsenal lineup away to Fulham on December 31st, 2023, one of just four times he’s completed the full 90 minutes of a game this season.

Speaking about his situation, Nketiah admitted he wants to play more, but he’s had to put the team first.

“Of course in the second half of the season I haven’t started as many games as I’d like, but these things happen and the team has been doing well so I’ve had to play a different role,” Nketiah said.

“That’s football and things change really quickly, but I think it’s a season to still be proud of and I’m only going to get better.

“All the experiences I’ve had this season are going to help me going forward.”

Speaking to The Athletic FC Podcast last week, David Ornstein suggested Nketiah’s future at Arsenal may be uncertain.

“Eddie Nketiah, I think the minutes that he’s receiving speak volumes,” Ornstein said. “Maybe Mikel Arteta and Arsenal don’t see him as one for them going forward.

“Some clubs or managers would then try and play them to put them in the shop window. Another big contract that was signed.

“I know of clubs that like him too, yet he’ll have a decision to make as well as Arsenal.”

If Nketiah’s minutes don’t improve, he may well be looking at a potential exit this summer. In the meantime, he’ll want to focus on making the most of whatever time he gets on the pitch to help Arsenal in their pursuit of a Premier League title.