Viktor Gyokeres was pleased to see Arsenal giving a couple of debuts to academy players on Wednesday night’s Champions League game against Kairat Almaty.
With Arsenal having already guaranteed a top-two finish in the Champions League’s League Phase, and only needing a draw against 36th-placed Kairat Almaty to confirm top spot, a few players were completely rested from Wednesday’s squad.
Combine that with suspensions to Declan Rice and Mikel Merino, and there were a number of spare spaces for academy call-ups.
Goalkeepers Tommy Setford and Jack Porter made the squad, as did youth defender Marli Salmon. But most encouragingly, Brando Bailey-Joseph and Ife Ibrahim made it onto the pitch for their first-team debuts in the second half.
“It’s amazing to see,” Viktor Gyokeres said afterwards. “For them to make their debut here at home must be an amazing feeling for them. It’s good for us as a team to give them the chance.”
The two players themselves were also clearly pleased to have the opportunity, posting on Instagram to share their excitement.
“A moment I’ll never forget,” Bailey-Joseph said. “So happy to make my debut. Grateful for the chance. Focused on what’s next!”
“Proud to have made my champions league debut and Arsenal debut!” Ibrahim added. “Glory to God.”
It’s been a big week for both players, and not just because of their senior debuts.
Bailey-Joseph only made his first appearance in the Premier League 2 last Friday, scoring on his debut in the competition. Then Ibrahim signed his first professional contract with Arsenal on Tuesday, a day before his first senior appearance.
It’s unlikely the duo will remain involved in the first-team squad this weekend, with Rice and Merino returning and a smaller bench in the Premier League. Their next best chance at a call-up is probably on February 15th, when Arsenal face Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup.