Key Highlights
- Thomas Tuchel has warned Arsenal defender Myles Lewis-Skelly he needs more game time to make the 2026 World Cup squad.
- Premier League clubs are monitoring Lewis-Skelly’s situation, but Arsenal are not looking to sell any players in January.
- Lewis-Skelly played only 87 minutes of Premier League football so far this season and has missed out on recent England call-ups.
- Arsenal currently have a long injury list up front and do not expect to be busy in the January transfer window unless there is a serious long-term injury or unique market opportunity presents itself.
Thomas Tuchel’s Warning to Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly
Arsenal defender Myles Lewis-Skelly has received a stark warning from England manager Thomas Tuchel that he needs more game time if he is to secure a place in the 2026 World Cup squad. The 19-year-old was omitted from recent national team call-ups and Tuchel highlighted his need for increased playing opportunities.
“Myles was a very good teammate and played for us in the last camp in the World Cup qualifier in Riga,” Tuchel said after announcing the latest England squad. “But I said last time there is a component to it and that is about competition and performance. The door is always open for guys who perform on a high level regularly.” He added, “Myles simply needs more starts, more minutes.”
Arsenal’s January Transfer Window Plans
Despite being monitored by several Premier League clubs due to his recent contract extension, Arsenal are not expected to make any moves in the upcoming January transfer window. Manager Mikel Arteta stated that the club will remain reactive rather than proactive during this period.
“Premier League leaders Arsenal are not expecting to be busy in January unless there is a serious long-term injury or a unique market opportunity presents itself,” Sky Sports News’ Dharmesh Sheth noted. “January is typically a window in which Arsenal do not usually engage actively.” Arteta further explained, “Last time we signed players in January was 2023 when Leandro Trossard, Jorginho and Jakub Kiwior came in.”
Internal Competition and Arsenal’s Injury Situation
The situation for Lewis-Skelly is complicated by the presence of other players vying for left-back positions. Summer signing Piero Hincapie has been preferred over him in recent matches, while Riccardo Calafiori has taken up the first-choice role.
Arsenal currently face a significant injury crisis with several key players out. Captain Martin Odegaard and forward Gabriel Jesus have returned to training after long-term absences, but others like Viktor Gyokeres, Gabriel Martinelli, Noni Madueke, Kai Havertz, and Gabriel Jesus remain sidelined.
Arteta’s remarks on the importance of competition for positions reflect Arsenal’s current depth in certain areas. With a focus on four major trophies, the club is prioritizing its existing squad over potential transfers.
Conclusion
The upcoming January transfer window will see Premier League clubs closely monitoring Myles Lewis-Skelly’s situation at Arsenal, but for now, it seems that he and his team are focused on recovering from injuries and competing in the remaining fixtures of the season. The race to secure a place in the 2026 World Cup squad continues, with Tuchel’s warning serving as both a challenge and an opportunity for Lewis-Skelly.
