He made his Premier League debut in 2002–03 season against Southampton, where Arsenal rested many of their players for the upcoming FA Cup Final, also against Southampton. In early 2004 he was sent on a loan deal for the remainder of that season to French club Lille OSC.
The passage describes a player's debut and loan move during specific seasons. It highlights his Premier League debut, the reason behind it (Arsenal resting players), and his subsequent loan spell with Lille OSC.