Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Kieran Tierney is back in contention following a lengthy injury spell.
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The Scottish defender has been named in the traveling squad for Arsenal’s Champions League match against Sporting on Tuesday.
The 27-year-old last played for the Gunners during the 2023 Community Shield, coming off the bench in the win over Manchester City.
After spending the 2022/23 season on loan at Real Sociedad, Tierney’s return to Arsenal has been delayed by a hamstring injury.
“We have Kieran Tierney after a long injury. It’s great news that he’s back,” Arteta said during his pre-match press conference. “He’s been training with the team and is at the level to participate.”
Full Squad Fitness Boost
The Gunners have also received positive news regarding Declan Rice. The England midfielder, who was sidelined with a minor injury, was on the bench in Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest at the weekend but did not feature.
Ahead of the Sporting game, Arteta shared that Rice is fully fit and ready to start.
“Everybody in the squad is fully fit and available to start the game,” Arteta added.
This update leaves only Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu unavailable due to knee injuries, giving Arteta a strong squad to choose from for the critical Champions League fixture.
Arsenal’s European Challenge
Arsenal bounced back to winning form with a comfortable 3-0 victory against Forest after a run of three matches without a win. However, their Champions League campaign remains a challenge.
A defeat to Inter Milan in their last European outing left Arsenal 12th in the overall table, with two wins, one draw, and one loss in four matches. They face Sporting, who are second in the group and trail only Liverpool with 10 points from four games.
Sporting will approach the match under new management, as Joao Pereira has taken over following Ruben Amorim’s departure.
What’s Next for Arsenal?
The match against Sporting represents a crucial opportunity for Arsenal to improve their position in the group and secure progression to the knockout stages.
With Tierney’s return and a mostly fit squad, Arteta will hope his team can deliver a decisive performance in Lisbon.
