Due to an injury crisis, MIKEL ARTETA may be compelled to begin playing with a player he rarely trusts.

Arsenal’s manager, Mikel Arteta, has announced that Kieran Tierney may potentially make his much-anticipated return to the squad during the Gunners’ Champions League match against Monaco on Wednesday evening.

The left-back has not participated in any matches for Arsenal since August 2023, when he appeared in the Community Shield against Manchester City.

Tierney’s prospective inclusion arises in the context of a defensive injury crisis that has rendered Arsenal with a limited number of available players.

A total of six defenders may be unavailable for the upcoming match against Monaco, namely Gabriel Magalhães, Jurrien Timber, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Riccardo Calafiori, Ben White, and Takehiro Tomiyasu.

Furthermore, Thomas Partey is considered a doubt following his absence from Tuesday’s training session.

“Arteta stated during his pre-match press conference that Kieran Tierney is prepared.” “He is performing exceptionally well in his training, and he will undoubtedly have an opportunity.” Given the current performance of the team, he has certainly merited it.

His conduct and interactions with us have demonstrated that when athletes exhibit a willingness to engage, it is imperative to afford them such opportunities.

The Gunners have been beset by injuries this season, especially within their defensive line. Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu have been officially ruled out due to knee injuries.

Meanwhile, Gabriel, Timber, Zinchenko, and Calafiori will participate in late fitness assessments to ascertain their availability.

The consequential impact of these injuries has compelled Arsenal to depend significantly on the players who remain uninjured, thereby augmenting their workload.

“Arteta remarked that the absence of one or two players necessitates an increased burden and additional playing time for other individuals.” “Such a situation is suboptimal as it gives rise to additional complications.”

Notwithstanding the challenges, Arteta maintains a positive outlook regarding the opportunities that this circumstance affords to other players. “We must embrace the challenge, and there exist opportunities for others,” he stated. “In an optimal situation, we would assume responsibility for these decisions.

” Regrettably, injuries are compelling us to make decisions based on inappropriate motivations. “However, it is imperative that we acknowledge the reality of the situation and progress accordingly.”