Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has hinted he will use Charlie Patino more often when his midfielders leave for the African Cup of Nations.

Arteta will be without Partey and Elneny for a month due to the competition.

Patino, 18, scored on debut in the win over Sunderland on Wednesday, and Arteta is happy to use him next month.

"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."