Arsenal star Ethan Nwaneri may have to be deployed in several different positions in the near future to find a new place to pick up regular minutes, once Bukayo Saka returns from injury.

The youngster, who recently celebrated his 18th birthday, has been a standout since making his move up from the Hale End academy.

While there is plenty of promise and quality on display from Ethan Nwaneri, there is a selection dilemma for Mikel Arteta to consider soon.

Bukayo Saka is nearing a return from injury, meaning the right-wing spot is likely to go back to the fellow academy graduate.

As a result, Nwaneri may have to settle for a slightly more subdued role within the Arsenal team as he waits for more opportunities.

That said, there is also the possibility of playing him in different positions, due to his versatility and technical ability.

So here’s a look at three different positions Nwaneri could line up in after Saka’s injury return.

Ethan Nwaneri could play at left-wing

One area that Nwaneri could feature is on the left wing, with the star capable of competing with Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard on that side.

While the Arsenal youngster is stronger on his left foot, he is more than capable with his right, able to turn defenders inside and out.

With the left wing hardly being a nailed-down position for the current options, Nwaneri may be able to muscle his way into the conversation.

Martin Odegaard could lose midfield role to Ethan Nwaneri

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has struggled at times this season, not quite able to hit the heights he is capable of.

The Norway international may have to pick that form up or could face competition from Nwaneri in the playmaker role.

The 18-year-old has featured there previously for both the senior and youth teams, capable of creating plenty for the team.

Ethan Nwaneri could be the striker option

It’s clear that Arsenal have a centre-forward issue at the club, with both Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus out injured for the season.

Plenty of different solutions have been tried so far, with Arteta leaning more towards using Mikel Merino as his first choice there.

While the Spaniard has the physicality to compete and can arrive in the box well, some of his other movements aren’t that of a natural striker.

That’s where Nwaneri could come in, with the youngster capable of playing as a striker.

Arteta has previously hinted that he could play Nwaneri there in the future, while it’s a role he has featured in for the youth team.