Mikel Arteta faces fresh injury concerns ahead of Arsenal’s Champions League clash with Monaco on Wednesday night, as Jurrien Timber and Thomas Partey missed Tuesday afternoon’s training session.
The Gunners boss is likely to field another makeshift backline for the crucial fixture at the Emirates Stadium.
Gabriel, Riccardo Calafiori, and Oleksandr Zinchenko were also absent from training, while Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu remain sidelined with knee injuries.
This defensive crisis could open the door for Kieran Tierney to make a surprise return, over 16 months since his last competitive appearance for the club.
The Scotland international last featured for Arsenal as a substitute in the Community Shield against Manchester City on August 6, 2023, before joining Real Sociedad on loan.
Tierney has been named on Arsenal’s bench in recent weeks, and the latest injuries might pave the way for his long-awaited return.
Arteta deployed his ninth different back four in Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Fulham, with Partey filling in at right-back and Timber shifted to the left.
The manager is expected to give his players every chance to prove their fitness ahead of the Monaco encounter.
“We have to manage a lot of players. Some of them won’t be fit for tomorrow, some of them are still doubts,” Arteta said.
“We have 24 hours 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.
“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.”
Asked if Tierney could be given a chance, Arteta added: “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.”
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