Saka and Raheem Sterling's injuries: Arsenal boss promotes two Nigerian forwards to first team training

Arsenal have completed their preparations for Friday's Premier League meeting with Ipswich Town, with a training session held at at Sobha Realty Training Centre in London Colney on Boxing Day, allnigeriasoccer.com reports. 

Gunners manager Mikel Arteta will not be able to count on the services of two wingers Bukayo Saka and Raheem Sterling for the upcoming match against the Tractor Boys at the Emirates Stadium in London.

Former Nigeria Football Federation target Bukayo Saka picked up an injury in the 5-1 win at Crystal Palace, while Sterling is set for a spell on the sidelines due to a knee problem.

Arteta promoted two in-form Nigerian players to first team training on the eve of the game against Ipswich Town. 

Arsenal U21 captain Nathan Butler-Oyedeji and U18 star Andre Harriman-Annous trained with the first team.

The aforementioned academy players of Nigerian descent are predominantly strikers but can be deployed on the flanks if the need arises. 

Butler-Oyedeji has been Arsenal U21s standout player this term, registering fourteen goal involvements in twelve outings combined in the Premier League 2 and EFL Trophy. 

Harriman-Annous is also in great form, scoring on his debuts in the UEFA Youth League, EFL Trophy, FA Youth Cup and U18 Premier League Cup.

The Hale End Academy product, who will be celebrating his 17th birthday on Friday, has yet to be included in a gameday squad for the first team. 

Ethan Nwaneri also trained with the first team and is among the candidates to replace the injured Saka in the starting lineup against Ipswich Town. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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