Whilst his first-team counterparts were preparing for the ill-fated Premier League clash with Fulham yesterday, Cesc Fabregas was at London Colney participating in a training session made up of mainly young professionals. The Spaniard is yet to make a first-team appearance for the Gunners this season because of a hamstring problem but could return against FC Twente on Wednesday.
Francis Coquelin and Fran Merida trained together away from the main group because of their lack of fitness, whilst first-years Oliver Nicholas and Rhema Obed were also present.
Wojciech Szczesny had trained with fellow ‘keepers James Shea and Charlie Mann ahead of the under-18s game against Everton and Rui Fonte returned after his exploits with Portugal under-19s in midweek.
The main group was made up of the remaining young professionals who were not featuring for the under-18s. The likes of Gavin Hoyte, Henri Lansbury, Paul Rodgers, Jay Simpson and Jonas Rasmussen were all put through their paces by Neil Banfield and his coaching staff.
Conor Henderson was given a breather after starting three games for Ireland under-19s in less than a week but could be called upon when Arsenal’s under-18s travel to face Wolves next Saturday.
The players performed some sprinting drills as they prepare for the Reserve League South opener at home to Chelsea a week tomorrow.
