It must be tempting for Konstantinos Mavropanos to wonder just quite how much game time he would have received in the first half of the season had he been available.
The highly rated young Greek defender has, owing to a groin injury, had to watch from the sidelines as Arsenal have utilised various different options at the back during something of a selection crisis.
Mavropanos is, thankfully, edging closer to a return and recently resumed full training with the squad following a lengthy absence.
Given the current predicament that Arsenal find themselves in, especially with Rob Holding likely to miss the rest of the season, it would be tempting to throw Mavropanos into action as soon as possible.
However, the reality of the situation is that, given how long he has been out, Mavropanos must be eased back slowly and the likelihood is that he will get some games under his belt with the U23s first before he is even considered for involvement with the first-team.
Later in the season, though, Mavropanos could well prove to be a useful option for Unai Emery’s side. Last campaign he demonstrated in his appearances at youth level and his fleeting outings for the first-team (his sending off against Leicester City aside) that he is a fine prospect.
Strong physically, an excellent passer and a superb reader of the game, Mavropanos is very talented and possesses experience of playing in both a back three and a back four.
If Arsenal manage Mavropanos’ return carefully then the 21-year-old could be extremely valuable in the latter stages of the campaign. He may not have much experience of top flight football, but he has much in the way of potential and will be eager to take his chance when it does arrive.