Young Guns part of Arsenal squad that travelled to Molde

Miguel Azeez, Ben Cottrell, Folarin Balogun and Emile Smith-Rowe are part of the Arsenal squad that travelled to Molde for their upcoming Europa League tie, according to Football.london.

The Gunners have won their first three games in the Europa League and another victory will see them all but qualify for the knockout stage of the competition. Arteta has given a number of his squad players valuable playing time in the Europa League and this is likely to continue on Thursday night. 

Ben Cottrell and Miguel Azeez have won plaudits for their performances in the Arsenal Under-23 team this season.

Cottrell has scored two goals and provided three assists in 12 appearances for the U23s this season.

Azeez has scored one goal in nine appearances in the current campaign. His performances have seen him likened to Patrick Vieira and much is expected from the 18 year old.

Balogun made his first team debut for the Gunners in the Europa League game against Dundalk in October. He has scored four goals and provided two assists for the U23s this season and will be hoping to get his first start in the first team this Thursday.

Emile Smith-Rowe has travelled with the squad and could make his first appearance for the senior team this season. Injuries have prevented him from being more involved so far but he is now fit and ready to make an impact in the first team.

Alex Runarsson and Cedric Soares are part of the squad and could be handed rare starts.

Nicolas Pepe, who was sent off in the North London side’s 0-0 draw against Leeds over the weekend, has also travelled with the squad and could be set to start on Thursday. Arteta will want to keep his attackers fresh for the upcoming Premier League games and with Pepe suspended for the next three league fixtures, he could be set to play regularly in the Europa League.