Arsenal now facing ‘risky situation’ over £25m star at the Emirates

Arsenal are best off ‘not risking’ Kieran Tierney against Tottenham Hotspur over the weekend, according to journalist Dean Jones.

The 25-year-old has endured a difficult time with the north London outfit when it comes to injuries and suffered his latest setback while on international duty with Scotland.

What is the latest news involving Tierney?

Tierney featured from the off in his nation’s 2-1 victory over the Republic of Ireland last Saturday but had to be substituted before half-time after taking a blow to his head.

Ironically, the marauding left-back was caught by the shoulder of Tottenham’s Matt Doherty before Troy Parrot’s boot made contact with his head, forcing him to leave the field of play.

However, Scotland manager Steve Clarke revealed after the game that Tierney was only taken off as a precaution, providing positive news to Arsenal and their supporters.

“Kieran was precautionary in the first half,” said Clarke. “He got a knock and the doctor decided to take him off.”

Tierney played no part in Scotland’s subsequent 0-0 draw against Ukraine, though, and the Gunners’ medical staff will have to decide for themselves whether he is ready to play any part in the first north London derby of the season.

What has Jones said about Tierney?

Arsenal have nine fixtures in all competitions throughout a hectic October schedule, and Jones believes Mikel Arteta would wise to play it safe when it comes to Tierney’s fitness.

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He told GiveMeSport: “The other thing to consider here is that they can’t put players at any risk during this intense period of games.

“So, it is a tricky one managing who gets minutes. With someone like Tierney, who’s obviously got a track record, you’re probably best just not risking him at all at a time like this.”

How important is Tierney?

Tierney has shown his top-class potential since arriving from Celtic for £25 million back in 2019, registering 16 goal contributions in 94 appearances, collecting one FA Cup along the way.

Nevertheless, the 5 foot 10 gem has also reportedly missed 48 matches through fitness concerns in that time.

Summer signing Oleksandr Zinchenko has provided some much-needed cover and competition at left-back since joining from Manchester City, but a calf injury means he is also a doubt.

Therefore, Tierney could have an important role to play for Arsenal against Tottenham, and Arteta will surely be hoping that he recovers in time to at least make the matchday squad.