Harry Clarke trains with first-team as five youngsters get new squad numbers

U23s captain Harry Clarke became the latest youngster to train with the first-team squad on Tuesday.

The centre-back was back at London Colney and was involved as Mikel Arteta’s squad prepared for the game against Southampton.

With Daniel Ballard suffering a minor setback, Clarke has been drafted in, although Zech Medley appears to be closer to the first-team at present as he was on the bench against Brighton & Hove Albion last weekend.

Goalkeeper James Hillson also trained with the first-team, along with right-back Zak Swanson and midfielder Matt Smith.

All five of the aforementioned players were sporting new squad numbers on their training kits, which will presumably come into effect from next season.

They are as follows:

Clarke – 40

Hillson – 45

Medley – 52

Matt Smith – 58

Swanson – 60

The numbers show that all of the players are still part of the U23 squad for now, but if any of them are promoted to the first-team squad on a permanent basis next campaign then they will in all likelihood receive a lower number.

3 comments

  1. I think arsenal makes mistake by giving david acontract, that means relegation is their next season. Why do arsenal like buying egdged players we to have player who are below 25 of age mostly chelsea players i dont even that arsenal want buy the those are spy to the team

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