Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has been told that young defender Myles Lewis-Skelly has appeared defensively 'vulnerable' this season, with the warning issued just days before a crucial cup clash with Chelsea.
Bent's Concern Over Young Gunner
Former England striker Darren Bent, a lifelong Arsenal fan, expressed his worries about the 19-year-old's recent form on talkSPORT. Lewis-Skelly burst onto the scene last season but has found minutes hard to come by this term, making just one Premier League start.
"He's had a bit more of a difficult time this season," Bent said. "What he did last season, everyone was like, 'Wow!'. What he's had to deal with in terms of coming back, [Riccardo] Calafiori has been outstanding this season which is why he hasn't got many minutes."
Bent noted that the versatile left-back, who started in last weekend's FA Cup win over Portsmouth, looked exposed at times in that match. His comments come with Arsenal set to host Chelsea in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final on Wednesday night.
Loan Interest and World Cup Ambitions
The teenager's dip in form coincides with reported interest from several Premier League clubs regarding a potential January loan move. However, Arsenal have no intention of letting Lewis-Skelly leave this month.
Bent suggested that the player's ambitions of featuring in a future World Cup could be under threat if his situation does not improve. The pundit hopes the academy graduate can rediscover his best form quickly, especially if selected against Chelsea.
"I think he's going to play in this game [against Chelsea], potentially, but defensively, certainly against Portsmouth as well, he's looked a bit vulnerable at times," Bent added.
Gyokeres Form and Forest Test
Bent also weighed in on the struggles of Arsenal's marquee summer signing, striker Viktor Gyokeres. The Swede has managed just one goal in his last ten matches for the club, with his performance in the recent draw against Liverpool drawing particular criticism.
"I want it to work for him, I'm a big fan of his, but at the minute, for whatever reason, it's just not clicking," Bent stated, highlighting Gyokeres' limited involvement against Liverpool.
Looking beyond the Chelsea tie, Bent previewed Arsenal's Premier League trip to face Nottingham Forest on Saturday. He predicted a 2-0 victory for Arteta's side, claiming the current squad is no longer intimidated by the physicality often associated with teams managed by Sean Dyche.
"I look at this Arsenal squad now and I feel there are quite a few players that are good in size, good in stature, are prepared to do the physical, hard yards," Bent concluded. "I don't think the physicality worries me as much as it once did."
