Charlie Patino 'not in Arsenal squad for Wimbledon clash'

Arsenal starlet Charlie Patino has reportedly not been included in Mikel Arteta's squad for Wednesday's EFL Cup third-round tie with AFC Wimbledon.

The 17-year-old has put in a number of eye-catching displays for the Under-23s in recent weeks and is understood to have impressed during training with the Gunners' first team.

Patino has claimed one goal and one assist from the middle of the park in the Premier League 2 this term, with his solitary strike coming against Manchester United as he got the better of Phil Jones and Dean Henderson.

Patino was expected to be handed a chance in Wednesday's EFL Cup clash, but football.london journalist Chris Wheatley reports that the midfielder will not be making his first-team debut tonight.

Wheatley adds that Arteta is set to name a strong lineup against their League One opponents, with Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny both expected to be involved while Granit Xhaka serves the final game of his suspension.

Patino not in the Arsenal squad tonight.

I'm told Arteta going very strong - looks like Elneny and Partey could be involved. #AFC https://t.co/PWdwvaT6RG

— Chris Wheatley (@ChrisWheatley_) September 22, 2021

Bernd Leno, Rob Holding, Gabriel Martinelli and Alexandre Lacazette will all be among those hoping for opportunities against Wimbledon, and it remains to be seen if fellow youngster Salah-Eddine Oulad M'Hand will be involved after training with the first team.