Arsenal headache may play straight into Myles Lewis-Skelly's hands as vital call beckons

Injuries have struck again ahead of 's trip to on Wednesday. Midfielders Jorginho and both suffered issues during the 1-1 draw with at the Emirates Stadium. And the potential blow to 's plans could end up giving Myles Lewis-Skelly the chance of a lifetime.

Partey, and have made up the default midfield three for the Gunners this season. Rice is certain to feature at the Bernabeu after his free-kick heroics in the first leg, and captain Odegaard's place is also assured. But that third spot could be up for grabs if Partey's issue ends up ruling him out.

After subbing him against the Bees, Arteta said: "We didn't expect the issue with Thomas that we had to take him out. He felt something so we didn't want to take any risks. I haven't spoken to the doctors yet, so they will check him now and see how he is."

If Mikel Merino starts up front, which seems likely given his strong scoring record since deputising in the unfamiliar role, the standout candidate to step into midfield in place of Partey would be Jorginho.

But he, too, had to come off against Brentford. And his injury was even more serious than Partey's. "He said he could not breathe properly," Arteta explained. "So it could be an issue with one of the ribs. It's strange because if he can't carry on, that means that that is something significant, I think."

Although the exact prognoses for both players is currently unclear, Jorginho and Partey both missing the game, and Merino starting up front, would leave Arteta with a decision to make.

Because while Lewis-Skelly has been superb at left-back since breaking into the senior side, he learned his trade in the youth ranks as a midfielder. And he may feel that the stars are aligning for him to get a shot in his preferred position, in a Champions League quarter-final, at one of the best stadiums on the planet.

Moving the 18-year-old into a central role would likely require Kieran Tierney to slot in on the left side of defence. The Scottish international's lack of first-team football this campaign would make that a risk, but he was given a rare start against Brentford to shake off any lingering rust.

Leandro Trossard is a candidate to play in midfield ahead of Lewis-Skelly, although Arteta may deem the Belgian too forward-thinking to play in a three with Rice and Odegaard. A handful of things must fall into place for Lewis-Skelly to get his shot, but it is surely a big call which has made its way onto Arteta's radar.

Speaking on his best position earlier this year, Lewis-Skelly told the : "Long term, in my head, I know where I want to go, but right now I'm looking at what I can do to help the team, and wherever I'm effective in a team role, I'll take it.

"With the way we play, and in football now generally, a left-back and midfielder can be quite similar. The education I've had as a midfielder is definitely helping me now."