Mikel Arteta has insisted that Arsenal's left-back position will have to be earned rather than just being given to either Bukayo Saka or Kieran Tierney.
Saka has excelled in the position for most of the calendar year due to Tierney and Sead Kolasinac's injuries. He has played there 12 times under Arteta and provided a goal and four assists in that time - taking his assist tally to 10 for the season.
With Tierney returning to full fitness after being out since December with a shoulder injury - sustained against this weekend's opponents West Ham - the 18-year-old will be facing competition for his place in the side.
Saka's recent form at left-back has also sparked debate about whether he deserves an England call up. When made aware of this, however, Arteta was quick to play it down.
"They (Saka and Tierney) have to compete, they have to challenge each other and improve. Whoever is best will be in the position, which is a really good thing for the team," he said.
"I think he (Saka) is doing really well with us. International level is a different level. It is up to the England manager to discuss whether he is ready to do that and what is he going to do with his squad. Whatever he decides we will support the idea and the player."
Tierney has had tough luck with injuries since joining Arsenal in the summer and will be looking to put a good run of games together to end the season strongly.
Arriving while recovering from a hernia injury the Scot didn't make his debut until September 24 (5-0 win over Nottingham Forest).
He did impress in his 11 games before injuring his right shoulder at the London Stadium and could give Arteta a selection headache once back in full flow.
In the glimpses we got of Tierney, like Saka, he appeared to be an extremely sound option at left-back. He was vocal (more so than Saka), wasn't afraid to take players on and whip crosses into the box and positioned himself well in defence.
Arteta hasn't confirmed whether Tierney will return to the starting lineup against the Hammers but ensured he is closer to making a return.
"He's done two or three complete sessions now. He's feeling more and more confident with contact around him and hopefully he will join in the squad soon." the head coach said in his pre-match press conference for West Ham .
