Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta promoted talented Nigerian defender Josh Ogunnaike to first team training on Tuesday, on the eve of the UEFA Champions League clash with Portuguese setup Sporting CP, allnigeriasoccer.com reports. 

The Spaniard monitored the Hale End Academy graduate during today's training session at Sobha Realty Training Centre in London Colney. 

An attack-minded left-back, Ogunnaike has made significant progress this season, playing consistently for the development squad even though he is eligible for the U18s.

The 18-year-old started three of the six games contested by the Gunners U19s in the UEFA Youth League, scoring one and providing an assist.

Despite training with Arsenal's first team several times this season, Ogunnaike has yet to be named in an official matchday squad.

With Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori both rated as doubtful for the visit of Sporting CP, the Nigerian starlet was invited to train with the first team.

Timber and Calafiori were not involved in Arsenal's 2-1 loss to Bournemouth last weekend. 

Ogunnaike joined the Gunners academy at the age of 13 and he's now in the second year of his scholarship. 

Arsenal head into Wednesday's clash at the Emirates Stadium in London with the goal of reaching back-to-back UEFA Champions League semifinals, an accomplishment unprecedented in their history.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel