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Mikel Arteta hints at Arsenal breakthrough for Charlie Patino during Africa Cup of Nations

 (Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
(Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Mikel Arteta is not afraid to call upon Charlie Patino in January if Arsenal are short of midfield options due to the Africa Cup of Nations.

Arsenal are due to lose Mohamed Elneny and Thomas Partey for the month as both players will be at the tournament in Cameroon.

It leaves Arsenal potentially short on midfielders, but 18-year-old Patino, who scored on his debut against Sunderland on Tuesday night, could now get the chance to play more.

“Charlie is with us more and more in training sessions,” said Arteta.

“Yesterday was his first competitive match, which was a beautiful day for him and everybody involved in the club, and we’ll go slowly from there.

“If we need him, we’ll use him - if the numbers are quiet and we have to throw him in there when we believe he’s ready and he’s making the right steps. We’re really happy with where we are.”