Snapped : Arsenal Head Coach Arteta Monitors Olayinka Ahead Of FA Cup Clash Vs Leeds United

Published: January 05, 2020

Nigerian midfielder James Olayinka continues to train with the Arsenal first team with a view to a potential debut, allnigeriasoccer.com reports.

Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta monitored the Hale End Academy product at close quarters during Sunday's training session at London Colney ahead of tomorrow's Emirates FA Cup clash against Championship high-flyers Leeds United.

Olayinka is battling established internationals Granit Xhaka and Lucas Torreira for a spot in the matchday squad, while the likes of Matteo Guendouzi, Joe Willock and Dani Ceballos are ahead of him in the pecking order of midfielders.

Should he make his debut against Leeds United, he will play with the number 52 jersey, same number he wore on the bench when he made the 18 against Standard Liege on December 12.

Meanwhile, the chances of versatile defender Tolaji Bola being involved against Leeds United appear slim as left-back Sead Kolasinac and his understudy Bukayo Saka took part in today's workout.

It will be recalled that Saka was not fit enough to start against Manchester United on New Year's Day and was subbed in only after the Bosnia defender picked up a knock in the second half.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : arsenal.com