Mikel Arteta is facing a defensive headache ahead of Arsenal's Champions League encounter with Monaco on Wednesday night thanks to a fresh injury setback. Jurrien Timber and Thomas Partey were notably absent from Tuesday afternoon's training session.
The Gunners boss is bracing himself to shuffle his defense once again at the Emirates, as Gabriel, Riccardo Calafiori, and Oleksandr Zinchenko also missed the session. Meanwhile, Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu still nurse knee problems.
There's a glimmer of hope though: Kieran Tierney may be in line for an unexpected return after more than 16 months on the sidelines for Arsenal. Having last played competitively for the Gunners in the Community Shield against Manchester City on 6 August 2023, before a loan stint at Real Sociedad, Tierney has been warming the bench in recent fixtures and might now get his chance due to the mounting injuries.
Sunday's 1-1 draw against Fulham saw Arteta field a ninth variation of his back four this season, with Partey stepping in as a makeshift right-back while Timber slotted over on the left flank. Arteta acknowledged the situation: "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 hours to make those decisions. Hopefully we make the right ones."
The Spaniard remained pragmatic amidst the struggle for a consistent back line, stating: "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. I'm really happy with how we are playing. I'm happy with how the team is adapting and players are making an effort to play in different positions."
When quizzed about Kieran Tierney, Arteta confirmed: "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."