Ethan Nwaneri: Marseille confirm squad decision on Arsenal loanee after Roberto De Zerbi agreement | OneFootball

Teenager’s situation in France has changed dramatically this week

Arsenal youngster Ethan Nwaneri has been named in the Marseille squad for the Ligue 1 fixture against Strasbourg on Saturday.

Marseille said in a statement: "Olympique de Marseille and Roberto De Zerbi, coach of the first team, have announced the end of their collaboration by mutual agreement,"

"Following discussions between all stakeholders in the club's management - the owner, president, director of football, and coach - it was decided to make a change at the helm of the first team.

"This was a difficult collective decision, taken after careful consideration in the best interests of the club, in order to respond to the sporting challenges of the end of the season."

Jacques Abardonado will take charge of a “wounded” Marseille against Strasbourg and the interim head coach has included Nwaneri - on loan from Arsenal - in his first matchday squad.

"I know the situation because I've been there before. I'm facing up to it. I found a wounded group," Abardonado told reporters. "We tried to bring some positivity with simple things in order to approach the match against Strasbourg in the best possible way.

"The coach [De Zerbi] was wonderful; he accepted me into his inner circle of assistants. We'll see tomorrow what I'm going to change.

"We're going to take to the pitch with a winning attitude. We're all hungry for revenge; we'll face up to our responsibilities, me first and then the players."

Nwaneri scored 13 minutes into his Marseille debut against Lens last month and then sparked red card controversy with horror tackle in Coupe de France win over Rennes at the start of February.

The 18-year-old was loaned out to Marseille as Arsenal decided working under De Zerbi and playing more regularly would be beneficial for his development.

Though with the sudden managerial change, it remains to be seen if Nwaneri will keep his place in the starting line-up for the visit of Strasbourg after being taken off at half-time against PSG.