Darren Bent believes Kieran Tierney's time at Arsenal is coming to an end.
Despite a defensive injury crisis, left-back Tierney was an unused substitute for the Gunners' 3-0 win over Monaco in the Champions League on Wednesday.
Tierney has been an unused substitute for five straight games
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Tierney has been an unused substitute for five straight gamesCredit: Getty
Instead of Tierney, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta handed 18-year-old Myles Lewis-Skelly - a central midfielder by trade - his Champions League debut at left-back.
The decision came as somewhat of a surprise given Arteta spoke glowingly about Tierney and talked up the Scot's chances of game time during his pre-match press conference on Tuesday.
"He is ready, he's training really well and he's going to have an opportunity for sure," Arteta said.
"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."
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Unfortunately for Tierney, Wednesday's clash marked the fifth straight game he had been an unused substitute.
With an 18-year-old midfielder now ahead of him in the pecking order, former Premier League striker Bent believes the writing is on the wall for Tierney at the Emirates Stadium.
"Do you know what, I almost fear a little bit now for Kieran Tierney," Bent told talkSPORT Breakfast.
"I really like Kieran Tierney, but unfortunately he can't stay fit. I think the last time he played a competitive game was in June for Scotland.
"Just being out for that amount of time, I think he's been sitting on the bench for Arsenal for the last five games. The fact that he's not played a minute would almost indicate that his time at Arsenal is coming to an end."
Bent also lavished praise on Lewis-Skelly's performance and believed the teenager could easily cement himself as Arsenal's left-back going forward.
Bent holds high hopes for Lewis-Skelly's future at Arsenal
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Bent holds high hopes for Lewis-Skelly's future at ArsenalCredit: Getty
"Myles Lewis-Skelly was brilliant," Bent said.
"He looked composed, he looked comfortable, he didn't get overawed by the occasion. He is certainly one for the future.
"I think Mikel Arteta said that, if he keeps applying himself correctly, he might be Arsenal's first choice left-back. And I can see that happening."
Tierney has not featured for Arsenal since a 14-minute cameo in the Community Shield last year, as the Gunners beat Manchester City on penalties.
He then sealed a loan move to LaLiga side Real Sociedad and started the first three games he was eligible for.
Tierney went on to make 26 appearances across all competitions for the San Sebastian-based club and started 17 of those.
Tierney's season at Real Sociedad was disrupted by injuries
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Tierney's season at Real Sociedad was disrupted by injuriesCredit: Getty
However, Tierney could not escape his injury woes as he missed a total of 17 games last season through hamstring and adductor issues.
The defender returned to fitness towards the end of the season in time for Scotland's Euro 2024 campaign.
But it ended in tears for Tierney as he was stretchered off with a serious hamstring injury during Scotland's draw with Switzerland.
Although Tierney may not have featured against Monaco, he may soon get his chance as Arsenal face a run of three games in a week.
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The Gunners enjoy two consecutive home games as they welcome Everton to the Emirates on Saturday, followed by a Carabao Cup quarter final tie against Crystal Palace on Wednesday.
They face Palace again on December 21, this time in the Premier League and at Selhurst Park.