Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta promoted London-born defender of Nigerian descent Josh Nichols to first-team training on Friday, ahead of his side's Premier League clash with north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur, allnigeriasoccer.com reports.
Nichols took part in the session at the Sobha Realty Training Centre in London Colney, where he trained alongside senior stars including Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze and Nigeria Football Federation target Ethan Nwaneri.
The English-Nigerian-Jamaican defender's call-up comes amid concerns over the fitness of left-back Riccardo Calafiori, who withdrew from Italy's November international games due to injury.
Primarily a right-back, Nichols is capable of operating on the left when required.
A key figure in Arsenal's development squad, he has started seven of their eight Premier League 2 games this season.
The 19-year-old has also gained experience against senior opposition, featuring from the start against Newport County and Exeter City in the EFL Trophy.
Nichols made his professional debut in September 2024, starting in a Carabao Cup tie against Bolton Wanderers.
In total, he has received five first-team call-ups for official matches, including Premier League fixtures against Leicester City, Liverpool and West Ham United.
Ifeanyi Emmanuel