Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was dealt a big blow earlier this week after it was revealed that Kieran Tierney will miss the rest of the season - but the Spaniard has already got his replacement primed and ready.
The left-back is reportedly set to undergo surgery on his knee later this week that will rule him out until the summer and, potentially, Scotland ’s crucial World Cup qualification play-off in June.
Tierney made just 42 Premier League appearances across his first two campaigns at Arsenal after joining from Celtic in 2019. He has not played more than 27 times in the league in a single season and will not add to his 22 outings so far this term.
Despite his persistent runnings in with the treatment table, there has been reported interest from Real Madrid and Arteta could consider cashing in if a suitable offer comes in.
With that said, Arteta regularly hands opportunities to Arsenal's younger players and integrates them into first-team training sessions, with fellow left-back Lino Sousa continuing to catch the eye.
The 17-year-old joined the Gunners from West Bromwich Albion in January and has already made nine appearances for Arsenal 's Under-18's and 23s.
Sousa, who is of Brazilian heritage, played two years above his age group for West Brom Under-18's last season and has been earmarked as a potential star of the future by those within London Colney.
Arsenal host Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday, which could be a good game for Sousa to be given some first-team minutes in order to make a name for himself.
Arteta is going to need him over the coming weeks, especially with Nuno Tavares failing to hit the heights following his move from Benfica last summer.
