Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has called up promising Nigerian-descent striker Nathan Butler-Oyedeji to first-team training ahead of the Gunners’ UEFA Champions League semifinal second-leg match against Paris Saint-Germain.
The versatile forward, born in London to a Nigerian father and a Saint Vincent and the Grenadines mother, joined the senior squad for training at the Sobha Realty Training Centre on Monday, as the team ramped up preparations for Wednesday’s crucial encounter at Parc des Princes.
Butler-Oyedeji, a product of Arsenal’s Hale End Academy, was part of the matchday squad for the first leg at the Emirates Stadium last Tuesday but did not make an appearance in the 1-0 defeat.
The 22-year-old made his senior debut for Arsenal earlier this year during a Champions League match against Dinamo Zagreb and earned his Premier League debut in a win over Ipswich Town.
The young striker was seen training alongside first-team players, including Gabriel Martinelli, Bukayo Saka, Ethan Nwaneri, Mikel Merino, and Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori.
With Arsenal facing the challenge of overturning the first-leg deficit, Butler-Oyedeji, who has impressed in the youth system, will be hoping to contribute to Arteta’s plans for the crucial second leg.
Meanwhile, PSG will be looking to maintain their advantage and push forward in their pursuit of a first-ever Champions League title.
Historically, in six competitive meetings, PSG have only managed one victory over Arsenal, with the Gunners winning twice and drawing three times.
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