'I have no doubt' - Fabregas passes vote of confidence on Nwaneri ahead of Tottenham v Arsenal

Cesc Fabregas has passed a vote of confidence on Ethan Nwaneri ahead of Arsenal's clash with Tottenham Hotspur in the first north London derby of the season on Sunday.

Heading into the tie, the Gunners are set to be without a host of key midfielders which could pave the way for the record-breaking midfielder to make his first Premier League appearance of the season.

New signing Mike Merino won't be in action, having sustained a shoulder injury before the international break, and he is going to be on the sidelines for a while.

Skipper Martin Ødegaard picked up an ankle injury during Norway's UEFA Nations League fixture with Austria and will certainly miss the game against Spurs.

Additionally, Declan Rice will serve his one-match suspension after being sent off for a second bookable offence against Brighton & Hove Albion.

With the absence of these key midfielders, Nwaneri could play a role for Arsenal when they face their city rivals.

Speaking on the possibility of the Anglo-Nigerian midfielder playing in the north London Derby, Fabregas believes he has no issue if Mikel Arteta fielded the 17-year-old.

"I have no doubt, that if Mikel [Arteta] puts him in the starting 11, or even on during the game, it's because he's seen that he's good enough to make an impact," Fabregas told BBC's Planet Premier League Podcast.

"He's on his [Arteta's] mind, and if he's part of the squad, it's because he really believes that he can bring something to the table."

Arteta has shown huge faith in the England youth international, allowing him to train with the first team since the beginning of the season and has been named in the matchday squad for the Premier League games played so far..

Abdulkareem Abdulhamid

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