England manager Thomas Tuchel has raised concerns regarding Myles Lewis-Skelly’s lack of game time at Arsenal. He emphasized that more minutes on the pitch are essential for Lewis-Skelly if he wants to secure a position in the upcoming World Cup squad. With the player’s current situation under the watchful eyes of several Premier League clubs, he has only accumulated 87 minutes of Premier League action this season.
Myles Lewis-Skelly’s Current Status at Arsenal
Myles Lewis-Skelly, the 19-year-old Arsenal defender, has recently lost his starting position to Riccardo Calafiori. He is also competing with summer signing Piero Hincapie for the left-back role. So far, Lewis-Skelly has made just seven substitute appearances in the Premier League this term.
- Age: 19
- Current Team: Arsenal
- Minutes Played in Premier League: 87
- Substitute Appearances: 7
Tuchel’s Observations and Player Comparisons
Tuchel acknowledged Lewis-Skelly’s talent but stressed that competition and consistent performance are critical. He noted that Lewis-Skelly, along with other players, was outperformed by Nico O’Reilly of Manchester City during their last match. The England manager indicated that players like Lewis-Skelly need more starts to remain competitive.
Arsenal’s Transfer Plans and Squad Dynamics
Despite interest from various Premier League clubs, Arsenal is not looking to sell any players during the January transfer window. The club is competing for four major trophies and feels secure with their current roster. Lewis-Skelly recently signed a five-year contract, indicating Arsenal’s commitment to his development.
- Transfer Window: January 2024
- Arsenal’s Trophy Aspirations: 4 Major Trophies
- Contract Status: 5-Year Deal Signed
Arsenal’s financial situation allows them to retain their players; any potential sale would yield a 100% profit under Profit and Sustainability Rules since Lewis-Skelly came through the club’s academy.
Impact of Injuries on Team Strategy
The Gunners face an injury crisis with key players like Gabriel Martinelli and Martin Odegaard sidelined. However, many injured players are nearing their return, lowering the likelihood of any transfer activity. Arsenal’s focus remains on long-term recruitment rather than January signings, historically a period of low activity for the club.
Conclusion
Myles Lewis-Skelly’s career trajectory at Arsenal remains uncertain as he seeks more playing time to solidify his role in the England squad. With Tuchel keeping a close watch, the 19-year-old’s performance in upcoming matches will be crucial for future international selection.
