Kieran Tierney could be back in the Arsenal squad after a long time, as key trio to start against Sporting CP in the UEFA Champions League.
Arsenal are set for a tough away fixture in the UEFA Champions League, and it is on the road that Mikel Arteta’s side have struggled since last season. Even in the new campaign, they are without an away win or a goal on the road, which will play in the manager’s mind.
Arteta was asked about not scoring in four consecutive Champions League away games during his pre-game pre-match press conference. He responded by saying, “I wouldn’t say that’s the most important thing, but the efficiency we have shown inside the box, at this level, with the number of chances you are normally able to generate in the Champions League, has not been at the level that is required to win consistently. I always say the Champions League is about the boxes, small margins and details, and you have to get all those right to win, especially away from home.”
Meanwhile, on the injury front, Arteta confirmed that all those who trained are fit, with the addition of Kieran Tierney, who seems to be match-fit once again. The Scottish left-back spent last season on loan to Real Sociedad and picked up a serious hamstring injury at the Euros, but he is finally back in the squad.
Arteta said, “Everyone who is in the squad is fully fit to start the game. We have Kieran Tierney with us after a long injury. It’s great news that he is back, he’s been training with us and he is available to participate.”
Meanwhile, he was also asked about David Raya after a tremendous performance between the sticks over the weekend. On Raya, Arteta continued, “Yes, it’s something natural as well. It takes time to adapt to a new club, to a huge club like ours. Even last season I thought he had a really good season. Obviously now he is more comfortable, he understands the system, he uses the space in the right way. You can tell he is more composed, he has got better links with his teammates, and has been in great form.”
In terms of team news, Tierney’s return is a big positive for Arsenal, given their problems in the full-back area. The Scottish left-back’s presence does improve the depth. At the same time, it would allow Arteta to use Jurrien Timber primarily on the right-hand side, as Tierney could provide cover for Riccardo Calafiori in games.
Calafiori and Timber are expected to start once again in the same backline that featured at the weekend against Nottingham Forest. Arteta had rested a host of his key starters, including Thomas Partey, Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Martinelli, at the weekend, as the quartet are expected to start in Lisbon.
At least Partey played the entire second half in place of Jorginho, while the other three did not feature at all. Hence, with a well-rested squad, Arteta should expect a big performance in Lisbon. Bukayo Saka will keep his place on the right-hand side of the attack while Havertz and Martinelli complete the frontline for the Gunners.
Predicted Lineup (4-3-3): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Odegaard, Partey, Rice; Saka, Havertz, Martinelli
