Arsenal receive Myles Lewis-Skelly boost before FA Cup quarter-final vs Southampton

Arsenal travel to St Mary's Stadium on Saturday to face Southampton in the FA Cup quarter-final, with Mikel Arteta managing a number of injury concerns.

The Gunners are set to take on Sporting CP in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final on Tuesday, although their preparations have been disrupted by injury issues during the international break.

Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi are doubts, while Piero Hincapie requires treatment after picking up a knock during Ecuador’s draw with Morocco.

Arteta can, however, take encouragement from Myles Lewis-Skelly, who completed 90 minutes in both matches for the England U21s without any signs of fatigue.

Myles Lewis-Skelly: Rare opportunity for the young defender?

Following an impressive 2024-25 campaign, Lewis-Skelly was widely expected to play a more prominent role this season, but opportunities have been limited.

The 19-year-old’s development has stalled somewhat as he has slipped down the pecking order behind more established defensive options.

He has started just one Premier League match, although Arteta has utilised him more frequently in cup competitions, including the Champions League and FA Cup.

A suspension in the FA Cup fifth-round win over Mansfield Town has restricted his involvement further, leaving him with just one minute of club football since mid-February.

However, Lee Carsley has praised the youngster’s attitude and readiness after his performances during the international break.

"He's shown such a great attitude, and it's really benefited him this week, playing minutes and training at a good level," Carsley said, as quoted by the Evening Standard.

"The fact now that he's potentially going back, having played a lot of minutes for England, puts him [in] a strong position where, if he is called upon or gets a chance, he is ready to go."

Will Lewis-Skelly leave Arsenal in the summer?

While Arteta will be encouraged by Carsley’s endorsement, speculation continues to grow regarding Lewis-Skelly’s long-term future at Arsenal.

Recent reports suggest that Manchester United have internally discussed the possibility of signing the young defender in the summer.

With Tyrell Malacia expected to leave on a free transfer and uncertainty surrounding Luke Shaw, strengthening the left-back position has become a priority for the Red Devils.

Lewis-Skelly remains a highly promising talent, and Arsenal would be reluctant to lose him to a direct rival, but ensuring regular playing time next season could be key to securing his long-term future at the club.