Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has insisted that Charlie Patino will be given the opportunity to prove himself in the first team after being overlooked for Wednesday's EFL Cup win over AFC Wimbledon.
The 17-year-old has banked one goal and one assist from five games in the Premier League 2 this season and was widely expected to make the cut for the third-round tie against the League One side.
However, Patino was left out of Arteta's squad as a strong Arsenal team cruised to a 3-0 win, with Alexandre Lacazette, Emile Smith Rowe and Eddie Nketiah all finding the back of the net.
Arteta has since explained the rationale behind Patino's absence and was quoted as saying by football.london's Chris Wheatley: "He was very close but in the end we decided that some players needed some minutes. It will happen with time. Give him time and we will prepare him."
Arsenal will face Leeds United in the fourth round of the EFL Cup following their convincing win over Wimbledon and now prepare for Sunday's North London derby against Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League.
Ben Knapton
