Arsenal faced with fresh two injury blows ahead of Monaco clash

Arsenal's injury woes continue as the Gunners prepare to face Monaco in matchday six of the Champions League. According to Kaya Kaynak, five players missed out on Tuesday's training session with the team. Alongside Gabriel Magalhaes, Riccardo Calafiori and Oleksandr Zinchenko, who continue their spells on the sidelines from previous injuries, Jurrien Timber and Thomas Partey also sat out the session to hand Arsenal a double fresh injury blow.

The Spaniard had moved Partey from his preferred midfield position to fill in for the shortcoming in defence, but with a double absence in the backline, he could be forced to name another patched-up back four for Wednesday night. Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu are also absent from the team with long-term knee injuries. 

“We are missing a lot of players in the backline," Arteta admitted during a press conference on Tuesday. "The good thing is that whatever we put there they respond. They respond with a good attitude and performance We have to manage a lot of players. Some of them won't be fit for tomorrow, some of them are still doubts. We have 24 to make those decisions. Hopefully, we make the right ones. It is what it is. We have to accept the challenge and there are opportunities for other players. We need to accept the reality and move forward," he added. 

Arsenal's critical situation in defence could also see Kieran Tierney make a shock comeback to the team after more than 16 months. Before heading to Real Sociedad on loan, the Scotland full-back made his last appearance for the club in August 2023 when he came on as a substitute in the Community Shield clash against Manchester City.

Asked if Tierney could be given an opportunity soon, Arteta said: “He’s ready, he’s training really well and he will have an opportunity for sure. He’s earned it for sure. He’s willing to do it. And when that happens we have to give a chance." The 27-year-old has been on the bench for Arsenal in recent weeks and could now be handed a long-awaited return.

 

December 10, 2024