Ethan Nwaneri is seemingly in the Arsenal squad for their first game of the Premier League season against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Nwaneri, 17, has featured in all five of the club’s pre-season friendlies this summer, starting the first two against Bournemouth and Manchester United before featuring as a substitute versus Liverpool, Bayer Leverkusen and Lyon. The teenager replaced Kai Havertz in the latter and former, with Martin Odegaard making way in the other.
However, the biggest hint about his involvement in the first-team this season came on Friday night. Arsenal’s under-21s faced Man United in their first game of the Premier League 2 season.
The Gunners took a 4-0 lead in the first half, with Khayon Edwards scoring the first and fourth, with Michal Rosiak and Nathan Butler-Oyedeji also opening their accounts for the season. Ethans Ennis and Wheatley halved the deficit after the break, with those goals coming after another Ethan, Williams, was shown a straight red card.
But while Myles Lewis-Skelly started at left-back, Nwaneri was nowhere to be seen. It was a notable omission after the midfielder started all seven of their games of the regular season last team and their two matches in the playoffs.
Hours later on Saturday morning, footage emerged on social media showing the Arsenal players arriving at a hotel ahead of their season-opener. Among the usual faces arriving was Nwaneri. If the player makes the matchday squad, it will be the first time manager Mikel Arteta has selected the midfielder since the first leg of Arsenal’s Champions League quarter-final tie against Porto in Portugal.
Earlier in February, Nwaneri had made his only outing of the season as a late second-half substitute versus West Ham United. That Porto match was the sixth and final time he featured on the bench across all competitions last term.
![As Chelsea prepare to face Newcastle United in a crucial Premier League clash, both teams are dealing with notable absences and tactical considerations. Here’s the latest on team news, predicted lineups, and injury updates ahead of the match. — ## Chelsea Team News ### Injuries and Suspensions * **Omari Kellyman**: The young striker remains sidelined due to a hamstring injury, with no clear return date. ([Give Me Sport][1]) * **Ben Chilwell**: The left-back missed recent sessions due to illness. His participation in the upcoming match is uncertain. * **Reece James**: The captain has returned from injury and came through recent matches unscathed. He’s expected to feature in the starting lineup. ([Give Me Sport][1]) * **Romeo Lavia**: After a period on the sidelines, Lavia has returned to full fitness and is anticipated to play a significant role in midfield. ([Give Me Sport][1]) * **Marc Cucurella** and **Wesley Fofana**: Both players have served their suspensions and are available for selection. ([Give Me Sport][1]) ### Predicted Starting XI (4-2-3-1) * **Goalkeeper**: Sanchez * **Defenders**: James, Fofana, Colwill, Cucurella([Khel Now][2]) * **Midfielders**: Caicedo, Lavia; Madueke, Palmer, Neto([Give Me Sport][1]) * **Forward**: Jackson([Sporting News][3]) *Note*: This lineup is based on recent formations and available player information. — ## Newcastle United Team News ### Injuries and Suspensions * **Callum Wilson**: The striker has suffered a setback in his recovery and is expected to miss the next three matches. ([Sportscasting | Pure Sports][4]) * **Kieran Trippier**: The experienced full-back is sidelined due to a thigh injury. His return is anticipated later in the season. ([Give Me Sport][1]) * **Martin Dubravka**, **Sven Botman**, and **Jamaal Lascelles**: All three defenders are recovering from injuries and are unavailable for this fixture. ([The Standard][5]) ### Predicted Starting XI (4-3-3) * **Goalkeeper**: Pope * **Defenders**: Livramento, Schar, Burn, Hall([Give Me Sport][1]) * **Midfielders**: Tonali, Guimaraes, Joelinton([Give Me Sport][1]) * **Forwards**: Almiron, Isak, Barnes([Give Me Sport][1]) *Note*: This lineup is based on available player information and recent match selections. — ## Match Preview Chelsea enter this match with a fully fit squad, bolstered by the return of key players from injury and suspension. Their recent tactical adjustments, including the integration of Lavia and the versatile use of Caicedo, have strengthened their midfield and overall team performance. ([The Irish Sun][6]) Newcastle United, on the other hand, face significant challenges with several key players unavailable. The absence of Wilson and Trippier, coupled with defensive injuries, may impact their ability to compete effectively. Given Chelsea’s current form and squad depth, they are favored to secure a positive result in this encounter. However, Newcastle’s resilience and potential tactical adjustments under manager Eddie Howe should not be underestimated. — * [The Guardian](https://www.theguardian.com/football/2025/may/09/premier-league-team-news-predicted-lineups-for-the-weekend-action?utm_source=chatgpt.com) * [Latest news & breaking headlines](https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/romeo-lavia-chelsea-moises-caicedo-9hgv2skl3?utm_source=chatgpt.com) * [The Irish Sun](https://www.thesun.ie/sport/15181242/enzo-maresca-chelsea-upgrade/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) — [1]: https://www.givemesport.com/chelsea-v-newcastle-starting-lineups-premier-league-2024-25/?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Chelsea v Newcastle Confirmed Starting Lineups for Premier League Match” [2]: https://khelnow.com/football/world-football-chelsea-vs-newcastle-united-prediction-202410?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Chelsea vs Newcastle United Prediction, lineups, betting tips & odds” [3]: https://www.sportingnews.com/us/premier-league/chelsea/news/chelsea-vs-newcastle-lineups-starting-11-team-news-injuries/a3efd413e44076fffa0394f3?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Chelsea vs. Newcastle lineups, expected starting 11, confirmed team news and injuries: Joao Felix, Mudryk putting pressure on Sancho | Sporting News” [4]: https://www.sportscasting.com/uk/news/chelsea-newcastle-preview-prediction-team-news-predicted-lineups/?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Chelsea Vs Newcastle Preview, Team News, Lineups, Prediction” [5]: https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/chelsea-fc-xi-vs-newcastle-predicted-lineup-confirmed-team-news-injury-latest-carabao-cup-2024-today-b1190821.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Chelsea FC XI vs Newcastle: Confirmed team news, predicted lineup and injury latest for Carabao Cup today | The Standard” [6]: https://www.thesun.ie/sport/15181242/enzo-maresca-chelsea-upgrade/?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Enzo Maresca’s tweaks highlight why TWO first-team stars must be replaced to turn Chelsea into title contenders”](https://www.9inenews.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/ChelseaColePalmer24PredictedXIv1-350x250.jpeg)
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