Mikel Arteta has promised to give Myles Lewis-Skelly the opportunities he needs at club level to secure his place in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for next summer’s World Cup.
Lewis-Skelly, 19, has so far only started against Port Vale in the Carabao Cup and Olympiacos in the Champions League, with Riccardo Calafiori preferred at left-back in the Premier League.
Tuchel made clear this week that his selection depends on the teenager gaining more experience. “It maybe becomes a problem for him, yes,” Tuchel said.
“To just be a good citizen in camp will not be enough over the course of a year.”
Arteta responded by acknowledging his responsibility. “That’s pressure for me – thanks Thomas!” he said.
“Hopefully he plays a lot and he plays at the level that he’s been playing with us and he can enjoy the national team and the World Cup.
“I want the best for my players and having the chance to play in a World Cup is something I don’t want to take out from anybody.”
While Calafiori is expected to reclaim his place against West Ham, Arteta was clear that Lewis-Skelly will not be sidelined.
The teenager’s involvement is seen as part of a longer-term strategy to give him competitive exposure at the highest level while protecting him from injury problems that can come from playing too much, too young.