Myles Lewis-Skelly is now at a crucial stage in his Arsenal career, and the next game could define his future.
The 19-year-old has struggled for game time this season and has fallen down the pecking order at left-back. He is now behind both Riccardo Calafiori and Piero Hincapie, which has limited his opportunities significantly.
With just 1298 minutes played all season and only one Premier League start, questions are now being asked about what comes next. Reports have already suggested that Lewis-Skelly could be a candidate for a sale.
The game against Southampton will answer many of those questions.
How do you feel about facing Southampton away, Gooners?
Myles Lewis-Skelly now faces a decisive moment at Arsenal
Myles Lewis-Skelly has not had many chances this season, but the game on Saturday feels like the one that matters the most.
The FA Cup clash against Southampton comes at the right time for him to prove himself.
Lewis-Skelly was absolutely brilliant for the England U19s this week, and that, combined with Arsenal having 12 injury doubts, puts him in a great position to start.
If Mikel Arteta starts him, it would show that the manager still believes in his ability. That would also suggest that Arsenal still see a future for him at the club.
However, if he is on the bench again, it would become all but certain that he has no future at the Emirates Stadium.
At that point, a move away would start to make sense for both sides, but it would be heartbreaking for Arsenal fans.
Myles Lewis-Skelly should be furious if Mikel Arteta does not start him vs Southampton
Lewis-Skelly has done everything he can to earn an opportunity.
The Arsenal academy graduate has not complained about a lack of game time, has done reasonably well whenever he has been given a chance, and has continued to develop at international level as well.
Not starting him in this situation would raise serious questions, especially when Hincapie pulled up with an injury on international duty, and Calafiori has had his own struggles in recent months.
Young players need minutes to grow, and without them, their progress stalls. If he is overlooked again, he would have every right to feel frustrated.
That is why the game on Saturday is a key moment in Lewis-Skelly’s career – it really is a now-or-never moment for him.
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