"So we took that opportunity for the players that needed a bit of exposure and competition to provide that to them, said Mikel Arteta. It was very positive. Obviously, he has been out 11 months and you need that progression. You need to see how his body, that knee reacts and what else does he need. The players that we have available as well, it has to make sense to have the right balance in the squad."
"The good thing is that it is very, very close at the moment. The striker will now take part in another one on Saturday against Manchester United at St George's Park. Max Dowman is also playing in the match, which is officially a friendly for Arsenal's Under-21 side. Dowman has flicked between playing for Arsenal's first team and their under-21 side this season as he continues his development."
An injured player returned to action after 11 months and required progressive minutes to assess knee reaction and recovery needs. The coaching staff prioritized providing exposure and competition to those needing it while maintaining squad balance. A striker will take part in another match on Saturday against Manchester United at St George's Park. Max Dowman is also included in that match, listed as an official friendly for the Under-21 side. Dowman has alternated between Arsenal's first team and the under-21s this season during his development. An attacking midfielder could rejoin the first-team squad for the Champions League trip to Club Brugge on Wednesday.
Read at www.standard.co.uk
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