Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has admitted he must 'protect the welfare' of Kieran Tierney ahead of a crucial North London Derby clash.
Tierney signed for the Gunners in a £24million move from Scottish giants Celtic back in 2019 but has missed 48 matches through injury during his time at the Emirates Stadium. The Scottish left-back picked up yet another knock during the latest international break but Arteta has confirmed that the 25-year-old will be a part of the squad to face Tottenham on Saturday.
One man that won't be fit for the huge game against Spurs is Emile Smith Rowe after the talented forward underwent successful surgery to repair a long-term groin injury. Oleksandr Zinchenko also struggled with injury throughout the international break as Arsenal face a dilemma as to who to start in defence against Antonio Conte's side.
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Despite Tierney's recovery from a knock picked up whilst away representing his nation, Arteta is fully aware that he must 'protect' the defender ahead of a busy month of fixtures. Speaking in his pre-Tottenham press conference, the Arsenal boss said: "I think what we all want is the best for the player.
"Protect the welfare of the players for sure, have them in the right mindset, have them ready physically to play for the club and the best to do it is with good communication and honesty and transparency. With Scotland that’s the case for sure."
The Spaniard revealed that he has held honest conversations with both the 25-year-old and the Scotland national team regarding the best way to utilise Tierney throughout the season, ensuring he maintains his health and fitness. The Scotland international has played 332 minutes so far this season for the Gunners after missing out on pre-season after picking up another injury in Arsenal's match against Nurnberg.
After the departure of Nuno Tavares on-loan to Marseille, Arteta only has Zinchenko and Tierney to call upon as natural left-backs, whilst Granit Xhaka has shown he can be used as an emergency option in the left-back role. Arteta will be boosted by the news that both Zinchenko and Tierney will be available for selection for the North London Derby, but whoever starts in defence will be in for a tough test against the likes of Richarlison, Harry Kane and Son Heung-Min.
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