Arsenal secured a solid 3-0 victory against Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League on Wednesday night, bouncing back after some defensive struggles in the first half. Despite the early mishaps, the team managed to maintain their lead and came out stronger after the break to seal a comfortable win.
However, the win was marred by an injury concern for one of Arsenal’s rising stars, Myles Lewis-Skelly. The young left-back, who has been a key figure in the team recently, was notably absent from the matchday squad. Mikel Arteta, the Arsenal manager, provided an update on Lewis-Skelly’s situation, confirming that the 18-year-old had sustained an injury that required further examination.
Mikel Arteta spoke to the press after the Champions League win, revealing that Lewis-Skelly had been struggling with discomfort during training. The teenager, who has impressed this season, was initially optimistic about his condition after playing in the 1-1 draw against Aston Villa, thinking he had recovered. Arteta explained that Lewis-Skelly finished the Villa game without major issues, and even the next day, his condition did not appear too serious. However, during a training session on Tuesday, the player reported that he was not feeling right.
Arteta said: “I’m not sure. He judged it in the game against Villa and he thought it was okay, and he finished the game and the next day it wasn’t bad. And then yesterday he wasn’t feeling right so he started the session and he wasn’t feeling good. So, we need some more tests tomorrow. Hopefully, it’s nothing big, but the games are coming very fast.”
These comments suggested that while the injury was not initially serious, the discomfort worsened enough for Arteta and the medical team to seek more tests to better understand the nature of the problem.
This injury news comes as a setback for both the player and the club. Lewis-Skelly, despite being only 18 years old, had firmly established himself as a regular starter for Arsenal. His performances at left-back had earned him a place in the first team, and he had become a crucial part of Arteta’s defensive setup. With regular starter Oleksandr Zinchenko often sidelined due to injuries, Lewis-Skelly’s consistent performances allowed him to maintain his place in the squad even with Riccardo Calafiori available for selection.
Arsenal’s depth at left-back will now be tested, especially considering that Lewis-Skelly’s injury may take him out of action for a short period. Zinchenko’s return to full fitness will offer Arteta an option at left-back, though the manager has stated that he didn’t want to risk Calafiori in the Champions League fixture against Dinamo Zagreb. The Italian defender had recently returned to training and could be called upon to start in the upcoming Premier League fixtures.
Myles Lewis-Skelly’s ascent to the first team has been nothing short of impressive. The 18-year-old left-back made his Premier League debut earlier this season and quickly became a fan favorite. His performances have been marked by maturity beyond his years, with solid defensive work and an ability to contribute to Arsenal’s attacking play. In his debut match against Everton, Lewis-Skelly showed the composure and skill expected of a much older player, earning praise from Arteta and pundits alike.
His rapid development has meant that, even when other players such as Calafiori were fit, Arteta opted to start the young talent. His ability to perform under pressure and maintain a high level of consistency has made him an undisputed starter at left-back. It is clear that Arsenal see great potential in Lewis-Skelly, and he has been tipped for a bright future at the club.
With Lewis-Skelly now facing a potential spell on the sidelines, Arteta will have to make decisions regarding his left-back options. Zinchenko, who played in the Champions League victory against Dinamo Zagreb, could be called upon again to fill the role in the short term. The Ukrainian international, however, has been plagued by injuries this season, which has limited his availability. Therefore, it is unclear whether he will be able to maintain fitness and consistency for the remainder of the campaign.
Another option for Arteta is Riccardo Calafiori. The Italian defender, who has had limited opportunities in the first team so far, is now fully fit after recovering from his own injury issues. Calafiori could be an option for Arteta in the coming weeks, but the manager will likely be cautious about rushing him back into action. His performance in training and fitness levels will dictate whether he starts against Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League this weekend.
Arsenal’s schedule is about to become even more packed, with Premier League fixtures coming thick and fast, along with Champions League commitments. Arteta will need to carefully manage his squad, especially in light of Lewis-Skelly’s injury. The 3-0 victory against Dinamo Zagreb was a much-needed confidence booster for the team, and Arteta will be hoping to carry that momentum into their next matches.
Arsenal currently sit in a competitive position in the Premier League and will need to continue winning in order to stay within reach of the top spots. With players like Zinchenko and Calafiori able to step into the left-back role, the club is fortunate to have some depth, even though Lewis-Skelly’s absence is a blow. Arteta will likely rotate his squad to manage the demands of the hectic schedule, and the hope is that Lewis-Skelly’s injury will not be a long-term issue
If Myles Lewis-Skelly’s injury is not too serious, he will likely return to action soon and continue his development at Arsenal. His rise from the youth ranks to the first team has been a testament to his hard work and talent. With his potential and the faith Arteta has shown in him, Lewis-Skelly is expected to be a key player for Arsenal in the years to come.
His versatility at left-back, combined with his defensive solidity and ability to contribute offensively, makes him a valuable asset to Arteta’s tactical system. The future looks bright for the young defender, and if he can stay injury-free, he will have a long and successful career at Arsenal.
In conclusion, while the news of Lewis-Skelly’s injury is concerning, it is not expected to be a long-term setback. Arsenal’s depth in the squad, combined with Arteta’s ability to adapt to challenges, should ensure that the team continues to perform at a high level in the coming weeks. Fans and players alike will be hoping for good news regarding Lewis-Skelly’s injury after the upcoming tests and that he can return to the pitch as soon as possible.
