Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has explained the reason for picking Myles Lewis-Skelly over Kieran Tierney, who was looking for his first start for the club in 18 months against Monaco.
The left-back returned to full training last month after a lengthy injury lay-off, having picked up a setback while featuring for Scotland at Euro 2024 following his loan spell at Real Sociedad.
There was talk that Tierney may start in the Champions League against Monaco, but in a brave move during Arsenal's defensive crisis, 18-year-old Lewis-Skelly was selected as left-back.
Speaking to TNT Sports, Arteta explained why he decided to give the youngster the nod: "Well, obviously the circumstances (injuries) to be fair and the fact that the kid has done really well for us and he deserves a chance. We are all buzzing to see one of our coming out in a big match like this and playing for us."
Tierney's omission came after Arteta praised the Scotland international during his pre-match press conference: "He is ready, he's training really well and he's going to have an opportunity for sure.
"The way the team is looking at the moment, he is going to do that for that reason and because he's earned it. The way he's behaved, the way he's been with us because he's willing to do it and when."
Arteta shared his strategy for Tierney, stating: "I would put Kieran more in his strengths. If we do what we have to do I would play him in positions, especially in attack, in situations and scenarios and spaces that he is more comfortable with. That's a learning.
"It is about the player having certain qualities. First is he willing to do it? Does he want to do it, yes or no? The other one: is he capable of doing it and does he understand it? When a player has those three ingredients anything can happen. We see that with many other players. But if a player doesn't really fill it, it is more of a problem and we as coaches we have to find solutions."
With the January transfer window approaching, Arteta acknowledged the possibility of strengthening the squad: "The window gives us an opportunity to strengthen the team if we feel that is needed and we feel that we have the capacity to do that as well. We are on it and just have to assess the situation because it is changing every week. At the moment not for the better, but I'm positive that in a few weeks we're going to be in a better place."
