"Very intelligent" Arsenal star could make first PL start this season vs Brighton with 23yo injured
Arsenal defender Myles Lewis-Skelly could make his first start of the Premier League campaign against Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday.
The Gunners booked their spot in the last four of the Carabao Cup after a penalty shoot-out win (8-7) over Crystal Palace at home (1-1 after 90 minutes).
The club will now turn their focus to the league clash against the Seagulls this weekend, where Lewis-Skelly could feature from the off.
The 19-year-old left-back has made 11 substitute appearances in the ongoing league season. He has played second fiddle to Riccardo Calafiori.
However, Calafiori could be asked to play in central defence alongside William Saliba for the second game running after an injury sustained by Piero Hincapie.
Hincapie picked up a knock to his collarbone against Everton at Goodison Park last weekend, and the Ecuadorian subsequently missed the Carabao Cup quarter-final tie.
Arteta confirmed in his post-match presser that Hincapie ‘picked up an injury‘ against the Toffees. He is now doubtful for the upcoming home clash against Brighton.
If the 23-year-old is sidelined, it could be a back four of Timber, Saliba, Calafiori and Lewis-Skelly against Brighton.
Lewis-Skelly was anticipated to make his first league start of the season against Wolverhampton Wanderers earlier this month when Calafiori was suspended.
However, Arteta made a surprise choice of playing Timber at left-back with Ben White on the opposite end. The experiment was cut short due to White’s hamstring injury.
Lewis-Skelly, described as ‘very intelligent‘ by Arteta this year, now looks poised for his maiden league start this term as Hincapie may not be rushed back to action.
Arsenal are still missing central defensive duo Gabriel Magalhaes and Cristhian Mosquera after recent injuries, and may want to handle Hincapie with some caution.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
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