Mikel Arteta drops big hint over starting left-back vs Liverpool after Calafiori injury blow – opinion | OneFootball

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has dropped a huge hint over his starting left-back ahead of Sunday’s Premier League clash against Liverpool.

The Gunners returned to winning ways against Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League last night.

They registered a 1-0 victory after an own goal from goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk. Gabriel Martinelli’s powerful shot paved the way for the winner.

The game ended on sour note with Riccardo Calafiori picking up a knee injury and the Italian is now a huge doubt to face Liverpool at the weekend.

In our view, Arteta has already dropped a big hint over Calafiori’s replacement from his choice last night.

The Spaniard had the option of playing Oleksandr Zinchenko who was on the bench after his injury return, but he chose to go with Myles Lewis-Skelly.

Lewis-Skelly has made just one Premier League appearance off the bench, but we won’t be surprised if he is picked ahead of Zinchenko and Kiwior against the Reds.

Kiwior made a high-profile error in the defeat to Bournemouth and he is unlikely to get the nod to start.

The same can be said about Zinchenko, who has been an unused substitute since his injury comeback.

The Ukraine international is vulnerable on the counter-attack and has been prone to being out of position. Mohamed Salah could have a field day against him.

Jurrien Timber is another option for the left-back role if fit, but the Dutchman could partner Gabriel Magalhaes in central defence with William Saliba suspended.

Takehiro Tomiyasu is likewise an alternative, but he may not be risked in the starting XI if available. He has played just six minutes of football since the start of pre-season due to a knee issue.

Keeping this in mind, Lewis-Skelly could be set for his full Premier League debut at left-back.

The 18-year-old came on for the final 23 minutes against Shakhtar. He fared well with a passing accuracy of 100 per cent with one duel won and one blocked shot.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com