Arteta Feels For Eddie Nketiah Over Lack Of Playing Time
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta says he feels for Eddie Nketiah over the striker’s lack of playing time at the Emirates Stadium.
Nketiah has fallen down the pecking order in Arsenal’s striking department, with the likes of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Alexandre Lacazette and Gabriel Martinelli all preferred to him recently.
The 21-year-old has not played for Arsenal since appearing as a last minute substitute against Manchester United at the end of January.
Nketiah has only made two Premier League starts this season and has 24 appearances in all competitions, scoring five goals.
Arteta has taken responsibility for Nketiah’s lack of games but has praised the forward’s attitude towards training.
"This is one of the hazards to leave someone like Eddie out of the squad, but at the moment everybody has been fit and we have so many options up front," Arteta said.
"But it hurts as well because of how Eddie behaves and trains every day and because he's a player from our academy, but he will have his chance.
"He needs to be patient and he's showing no signs of lacking attitude or anything like that, it's the complete opposite.
"He's a joy to work with and he deserves minutes and if he doesn't get it, it's just my fault."
Asked if a lack of minutes could stunt his development, Arteta replied: "Yes there is because he needs to play and we've been wanting to use him a little bit more on some occasions and we didn't.
"To be fair, when he's played, he's played well, but at his age and for what he's done the last two or three seasons, he needs more minutes.
"It's something we have to talk about openly and make the right decision."
