Arsenal are not in action this week with the club enjoying some warm weather training in Dubai as the likes of Thomas Partey and Jurrien Timber work their way back to fitness. Whilst the Gunners first-team squad take a weekend off from action, their loan stars have not - although Marquinhos has now returned to the club after being recalled from Nantes.
Mikel Arteta sent a number of his starlets away for more regular minutes and in an attempt to increase their potential value ahead of a summer 2024 exit. It has seen mixed results with some shining and others sadly still unable to break into their respective team’s starting eleven despite even changes of coach in some cases.
With that said, football.london break down all of the weekend’s action for the Gunners loan stars. It includes a Basque derby, some VAR controversy for a relegation battle and minutes becoming harder to come by for some previously well-established loanees which might raise some eyebrows.
Kieran Tierney
Having recently turned down the hypothetical chance of a return to Arsenal this winter in an interview, Kieran Tierney has been fully focused on his time in Spain. Real Sociedad travelled to Bilbao to face Athletic Club in the Basque derby.
Tierney started the match in which his La Real side went 2-0 down in the first half and only a late Mikel Oyarzabal could salvage some pride and make for a nervy end. It opens the gap to nine points in favour of Athletic - Sociedad hang on to sixth.
Sambi Lokonga
Albert Sambi Lokonga started his fourth match in a row since returning from injury in what has been a successful spell for Luton Town. The draw at Burnley in controversial circumstances thanks to a late VAR decision against a furious Vincent Kompany earned Lokonga's side a vital point.
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That is now two wins and a draw in Lokonga's last four league starts. The hope will be he returns in the summer with plenty more interest in him that Arsenal can look to cash in on.
Nuno Tavares
Nottingham Forest do not play this week. However, having been an unused substitute for the last three games there seems little hope for Nuno Tavares to re-enter the fray.
Charlie Patino
Following his heroics in the FA Cup as he scored in Swansea City’s 2-0 win over Morecombe, Charlie Patino was not a starter as the league action got back underway. He came on for the last six minutes of a 2-2 with Birmingham City giving Luke Williams perhaps a reason to rethink the selection of the Arsenal loanee.
Brooke Norton Cuffy
Similar to Patino, Brooke Norton-Cuffy did not start Millwall’s league match with Middlesbrough as they fell to a 3-1 defeat. Having started the previous 15 games, including a recent three-win match run, to see him drop to the bench will not be an encouraging sign for Arsenal for a player who again they might be looking to get a good fee for in the summer.
Runar Alex Runarsson
The Icelandic international was again on the bench for Cardiff City as his loan spell appears to be fading away. It is not known whether a recall clause is included in the deal.
Arthur Okonkwo
Arthur Okonkwo kept a clean sheet for Wrexham in their 2-0 win over AFC Wimbledon. The Red Dragons continue their push for promotion with the Arsenal keeper firmly in their plans.
