Kieran Tierney was a notable absentee from Arsenal’s squad for the clash with Crystal Palace last night, with Nuno Tavares failing to impress deputising in his role.
The Portuguese came under scrutiny after playing a role in both of the two opening goals in the 3-0 loss at Selhurst Park, eventually being substituted in favour of Gabriel Martinelli at the break, and that performance has led to further worries over the availability of the Scot.
Arteta has now admitted that the former Celtic captain has damage on his knee and that we will await further news on his injury today.
“He came back from international duty and he felt something wrong in his knee,” the Spaniard said after full-time last night (via TalkSPORT).
“We scanned it and there is some damage there.
“He’s seeing the specialist on Tuesday and hopefully we will know more but it’s not looking good.”
On last night’s showing, Tierney’s injury could well be a huge blow to our chances of earning our return to the Champions League. The boss may well have to consider bringing Cedric over to the left once Takehiro Tomiyasu is ready to return, while Bukayo Saka could well be another option also, with Emile Smith Rowe, Gabriel Martinelli and Nicolas Pepe able to cover on the wings.
Who would you be looking to make the switch to left-back if Tierney was to miss the remainder of the campaign? Could Tavares pick up form with more minutes under his belt?
Patrick
The mans made of glass. If Real is really interested in him, we should bite at the chance of selling him for big offer.
@DaJuhi
RealTalk…
Just have faith in Tavares. He came good when he was afforded game time earlier but is simply rusty being left on the bench so long. He was even preferred to Tierney in that earlier run. Brighton at home can see him come good.
Next four games.
Brighton (H)
Southampton (A)
Chelsea (A)
Man U (H)
One thing is for sure, Tavares is no where near good enough. I can’t believe how poor he was last night. In fact, how poor they all were. We need to re-shuffle at the back but hopefully Tomi will be back soon which would be a massive boost!
I wouldn’t be surprised if Cedric Kees the right back spot and Tomi is used at left back as he is more then capable with both feet.
I wouldn’t be surprised if Cedric keeps the right back spot and Tomi is used at left back as he is more then capable with both feet.
Very interesting observation, Declan
I strongly support Tomi on the left and that should be the way forward for now.
Tavares should be sent on loan with Pepe
@Gunsmoke
Tavares and Pepe need to be given match time. Simple as…
NY Gunner
Strongly agree, but they both need a consistent run into a team, which am not sure Arsenal can risk now particularly in Tavares case.
Nuno was hung out to dry by our manager’s piss-poor tactics, considering the obvious tactics of the opposing manager….it’s almost as if Arteta thought Roy was still in charge…would have been much better to have had Nuno play as a more advanced winger, had ESR move inside and have Xhaka drop deeper to provide some defensive protection, which was ultimately done anyways, albeit far too late in the game to really matter