
Mikel Arteta has played down the injury fears surrounding Arsenal star Ethan Nwaneri after he limped off against West Ham.
The 17-year-old has been in sensational form since returning from injury following a three-week lay-off in January.
Nwaneri produced a man of the match display against Leicester City a fortnight ago and looked set for an extended run in the first team in the continued absences of Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli.
The Hale End Academy graduate struggled to make an impact in Saturday’s damaging 1-0 defeat against the Hammers that has all but ended his side’s Premier League title challenge.
A disappointing afternoon for Nwaneri and Arteta was compounded by the sight of the Arsenal star limping off with seven minutes remaining.
The Gunners are back in action tomorrow night against Champions League chasing Nottingham Forest at the City Ground and Arteta is hopeful Nwaneri will be fit enough to feature.
Arteta said: ‘Ethan [Nwaneri] was just cramping, obviously his load has been very different in recent weeks, but he’s fine. Bukayo [Saka] & Gabi [Martinelli], they are progressing really well, but still a bit far to come back.’

More to follow…
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