Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is preparing to reintroduce Kieran Tierney into the first team as the Gunners face Monaco in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday night.
The Scottish left-back, sidelined for over a year, last appeared for Arsenal in the Community Shield against Manchester City in August 2023.
Arsenal’s Defensive Injury Woes
The Gunners are grappling with a significant defensive injury crisis that has left Arteta with limited options.
Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu are ruled out due to knee injuries, while Gabriel Magalhães, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Jurrien Timber, and Riccardo Calafiori were absent from Tuesday’s training session.
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This leaves Arsenal with just two fit first-team defenders, Jakub Kiwior and William Saliba, for the crucial clash. Midfield stalwart Thomas Partey is also a doubt, adding to Arteta’s selection headaches.
Arteta acknowledged the impact of the injury crisis, stating:
“It’s a knock-on effect. The absence of key players forces others to shoulder heavier workloads, increasing the risk of further injuries.
We need to manage this situation carefully while giving opportunities to players who have earned them.”
Tierney’s Long-Awaited Opportunity
Kieran Tierney’s return couldn’t come at a more critical time for Arsenal. The 26-year-old has been training well, and Arteta expressed confidence in his readiness:
“He is ready, he’s training really well, and he’s going to have an opportunity for sure.
The way he’s behaved and his commitment to the team make him deserving of this chance.”
Tierney’s inclusion not only boosts Arsenal’s defensive depth but also offers a versatile option with his ability to play as a traditional left-back or as part of a back three.
Last-Minute Fitness Decisions
Arteta revealed that late fitness tests would determine the availability of Gabriel, Zinchenko, Timber, Calafiori, and Partey. Despite the uncertainties, he maintained a positive outlook:
“We have to accept the challenge and use this as an opportunity for other players to step up.
While injuries force us into tough decisions, we must move forward and make the best of the situation.”
A Crucial Match for Arsenal
As Arsenal gear up to host Monaco, the match carries high stakes in their Champions League campaign.
With a depleted squad, Arteta will rely on his team’s resilience and depth to secure a positive result.
Tierney’s return could be a pivotal moment in the Gunners’ efforts to navigate their injury crisis and maintain momentum across all competitions.
