Arteta sheds light on why Nwaneri is banned from the Arsenal dressing room

Despite having a slow start to the season, Arsenal continues to be a major threat to Liverpool’s unchallenged run to the Premier League glory in the ongoing season. While the team has continued to face difficulties due to injuries, the youngsters have stepped up at the right time. Lewis-Skelly and Nwaneri are the two superstars, who have filled the big boots for the Gunners. However, one thing that is still not allowed for Nwaneri is, that despite performing at the highest level, the player is not allowed to share the room with the senior players. 

Talking about the youngsters who have been the emerging stars of the season, Mikel Arteta believes that the bond between the two players is unmatchable. He also feels that when one observes both walking together, the chemistry on the field is brewing at the top level. He also feels that Nwaneri has nothing to lose but everything to gain while having Lewis-Skelly on his side. 

When you see those two [Lewis-Skelly and Nwaneri] walking next to each other, talking to each other, there is a bond there and a chemistry there

So to have somebody close to him that has that trust, that confidence, that link, I think it is lucky. They are very lucky to have each other

Why is Nwaneri not allowed in Arsenal’s dressing room?

Due to the safeguarding regulations in place by the Football Association (FA), players under the age of 18 are not allowed in the senior dressing room. Nwaneri, who is just 17, had to get changed separately before joining his teammates for the final tactical presentations before the kick-off schedule.

I imagine for them it is special because at the moment they are still in different dressing rooms. Ethan cannot be in our dressing room still, which is unbelievable. He needs to get dressed somewhere else, even on match day.

What next for Arsenal? 

Before going on the international break, Arsenal will want to keep themselves close to the Premier League leaders, Liverpool as they will face Leicester City, West Ham United and Nottingham Forest in the English top flight. Post the international break, they will be facing Manchester United at Old Trafford, a marquee fixture of the season.