LONDON, Oct 29 — Arsenal will take a late call on including left back Kieran Tierney in their squad for tomorrow’s Premier League clash against Leicester City, manager Mikel Arteta said.
The 24-year-old Scot was ever present in Arsenal’s defence this season but suffered a bruised ankle in their 2-2 home draw against Crystal Palace and missed the league victory over Aston Villa and the League Cup win over Leeds United.
“He’s progressing, training. Let’s see how he is today. He felt a bit better in the last few days but wasn’t 100 per cent to start the other day,” Arteta told reporters today.
“There have been a few of them that haven’t been able to train. We picked up some knocks during the game against Leeds. Hopefully today we’ll have better news.”
Arteta said defender Ben White missed training due to a sickness bug in the squad while striker Eddie Nketiah, who has not yet been named in a Premier League matchday squad, had to continue taking his chances after scoring against Leeds.
“He’s another one that is constantly pushing,” Arteta said. “Every time he’s got a chance he takes it. There are other players involved in that position.
“He’s the same as other players without many minutes because we don’t have Europe this season.”
Arsenal are 10th in the standings with 14 points, one place below Leicester.
Arteta, a former Barcelona youth player who had previously been linked to the manager’s job at the Spanish La Liga side, ruled himself out of contention following the dismissal of Ronald Koeman this week.
“I’m extremely happy at Arsenal and privileged to be here. My focus is here,” the Spaniard said.
“There’s been a lot going on there in the last few years... you have to overcome a situation like the departure of Lionel Messi who’s been a key player for many years and I know that takes time. I hope everything works out well.” — Reuters
