ARSENAL are reportedly tempted to end Kieran Tierney’s loan at Real Sociedad after Oleksandr Zinchenko missed the Gunners’ 2-1 loss to Fulham.
An injury crisis and rising pressure are the challenges that Mikel Arteta faces, as his team has suffered three defeats in their last five games.
Left-back Zinchenko has started 14 Premier League games this term but surprised fans as he was not included in Arsenal’s matchday squad at Craven Cottage.
Arteta confirmed the Ukranian was suffering from a “slight calf issue”.
As he said to reporters after the game: “We don’t know. He felt something in his calf. We will scan him tomorrow and see how far he’s going to miss games.”
According to the Express, the Spaniard may be forced to bring Tierney back if Zinchenko is likely to be out for an extended period.
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Jakub Kiwior started in place of Zinchenko on Sunday but was subbed off at halftime for Takehiro Tomiyasu.
But both defenders failed to stop Raul Jimenez and Bobby Decordova-Reid’s stunning two strikes.
Meanwhile, left-back Tierney made the move to Spain last summer to get back in the ranks at the Emirates.
The 26-year-old has made eight appearances in LA Liga and featured twice in the Champions League.
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Despite being hit with a hamstring injury in the autumn, the report claims the Real Sociedad ace’s leadership style could be the missing piece for Arteta’s side right now.
And the Scotland international may be keen to reunite with his English side.
Before Zinchenko made the move to North London in the summer of 2022, Tierney was a key player under Arteta and was tipped to become the next captain.
The former Manchester City star ended up pushing Tierney out of Arteta’s starting XI and played most Premier League minutes at left-back last season.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
