Arsenal defender Kieran Tierney has been handed his first start for the club in close to two years, after overcoming numerous injury setbacks both with the Gunners and while out on loan.
On Wednesday, Arsenal host Crystal Palace in the quarterfinals of the Carabao Cup at the Emirates Stadium, with a place in the semi-final, just three wins away from the trophy, on the line for the winner.
Mikel Arteta has named a strong Arsenal starting lineup, despite making plenty of changes to contend with the busy festive schedule, including handing defender Tierney his first competitive start for the club since May 2023, 18 months ago.
Kieran Tierney with Mikel Arteta
Kieran Tierney with Mikel Arteta (Image credit: Getty Images)
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The full Arsenal starting lineup against the Eagles is: David Raya; Thomas Partey, Jurrien Timber, Jakub Kiwior, Kieran Tierney; Jorginho, Mikel Merino, Ethan Nwaneri; Raheem Sterling, Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Jesus.
Since his last Arsenal appearance, on the final day of the 2022/23 Premier League season, when the Gunners beat Wolves 5-0 at home, Tierney has suffered numerous injuries and spent the 2023/24 season on loan with La Liga side Real Sociedad, whom Arsenal brought Mikel Merino from during the summer transfer window.
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Tierney missed the start of the 2024/25 season with a hamstring injury that he suffered during the group stage of Euro 2024 while representing Scotland, but has rebuilt his fitness and, according to Arteta, the 27-year-old: “Is ready, he’s training really well and he’s going to have an opportunity for sure.”
Fans have identified an interesting dynamic in the Arsenal lineup against the Eagles, with it being noted that Tierney played alongside Merino 24 times while on loan with Real Sociedad – and the duo won 13, drew seven, and lost four of the games that they were both involved in.
Arteta has chosen to rest important Arsenal players like Gabriel Magalhães, William Saliba, Bukayo Saka, Martin Ødegaard and Kai Havertz among others ahead of a second-consecutive game against Crystal Palace, this time in the Premier League, on Saturday afternoon.
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