Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta names surprise inclusion in Bodo/Glimt squad

Mikel Arteta is set to include teenage forward Khayon Edwards in his squad to face Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League on Thursday night after Gabriel Jesus stayed behind in London. The Brazilian is being handed a few extra days to recover after he was in the wars in the hard-fought 3-2 Premier League victory over Liverpool last Sunday.

Jesus won the winning penalty that was converted by Bukayo Saka in the second half after he was kicked in the back of the calf by Thiago Alcantara.

The £45million summer signing from Manchester City is understood to have passed all the necessary on-field concussion protocols after being elbowed by Liverpool left-back Kostas Tsimikas.

Arteta confirmed on Wednesday that Jesus would not be playing any part in the trip to the Arctic Circle as he prepares to rest up for the Premier League trip to Leeds.

“We thought that with everything he’s been through in the last few weeks it was better that he stayed at home,” Arteta said in his press conference.

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Arsenal had to fight off interest from both Chelsea and Brighton to keep Edwards at the club earlier this summer, handing him a long-term contract.

Eddie Nketiah is in line to start the match as he looks to capitalise on a rare opportunity to impress in attack for Arsenal.

He struck the opener last week as the Gunners beat Bodo/Glimt 3-0 at the Emirates with Rob Holding and Fabio Vieira also on target.

Left-back Oleksandr Zinchenko is also expected to miss the match after sitting out Sunday’s win over Liverpool in north London.

Mohamed Elneny and Emile Smith Rowe remain long-term absentees for the Gunners as they continue their recoveries at London Colney

“A few players that were injured,” said Arteta when pressed for further details on other absentees. “You will find out tomorrow, I can’t give you everything.”

Arsenal are in control of their own destiny in Group A after winning both of their opening two matches (2-1 vs FC Zurich and 3-0 vs Bodo/Glimt).

The Gunners are yet to play fellow qualification favourites PSV Eindhoven after their home match versus the Eredivisie side was cancelled following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.