Arteta stated that the decision to hold back Lewis-Skelly is partly due to the strong performances of other players in his position, which has made it difficult for him to get a spot in the team.

According to Arteta, Lewis-Skelly is performing well, but there are other players who are doing even better, which makes it a tough decision for him to choose who to play.

Arteta emphasized that holding back Lewis-Skelly is not a reflection on his abilities, but rather a sign that he has high expectations for the player and wants him to reach an even higher level.

Arteta also mentioned that Lewis-Skelly has the potential to play in midfield, as he has shown in the past that he can excel in that position, particularly in big games like the Champions League.

Arteta believes that Lewis-Skelly has the ability to play in both fullback and midfield roles, and he is giving him the opportunity to showcase his skills in different positions.

Overall, Arteta's comments suggest that Lewis-Skelly is a talented player with a bright future, but he needs to continue working hard to meet the high standards set by his teammates and manager.