Arsenal have taken their first-team squad photo for the season, and it contains a few unexpected faces.
Carl Jenkinson, a bit of a forgotten man at Arsenal right now, reappeared for the photo-shoot earlier this week. Clearly he’s still considered part of the senior squad, even if it’s been a long time since he last played competitively for the Gunners.
Unai Emery said publicly that the right-back could leave over the summer, only for an injury to prevent that from happening. Jenkinson is scheduled for a return sometime in October or November.
Then there were a few younger faces in the mix. Obviously Matteo Guendouzi, fresh from his fifth consecutive Premier League start. Then Ainsley Maitland-Niles, who is a fully fledged first-team squad member now. In addition, academy stars Joe Willock, Eddie Nketiah and Emile Smith Rowe joined the team for the picture.
Smith Rowe is probably the most surprising, as he’s yet to make a competitive appearance for the first team. That could change very soon though, with the way he impressed in pre-season.
Arsenal’s season has got off to a good start overall, with three wins negating the disappointment of a couple of defeats to Manchester City and Chelsea.
The Gunners might even be in with a chance of a top four finish, with other big-six teams dropping points. To find the best site to put money on that happening, check out www.topratedbettingsites.co.uk. Hopefully Arsenal’s youngsters will have a great season and help give the first-team a boost to the Champions League places.