Paul Gilmour explained on Sky Sports News (20/10, 12:37) why Arsenal star Kieran Tierney missed training on Wednesday, while Bukayo Saka continued his recovery from injury.
Saka sustained a calf issue against Crystal Palace on Monday night when James McArthur kicked the England international. The Eagles midfielder avoided a sending off for the foul, with referee Mike Dean only showing a yellow card.
Mikel Arteta withdrew Saka at half-time during Arsenal’s 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace due to his injury. The 20-year-old has featured in all eight of the Gunners’ Premier League fixtures so far this season, starting seven. He has also scored once and assisted one goal.
Saka was not alone in missing Arsenal’s group training session through injury, as Gilmour explained Tierney was also absent. The left-back is dealing with some minor issues ahead of Friday’s visit of Aston Villa to the Emirates Stadium. But his problems are not serious.
“Arsenal players were back on the training ground after that draw against Crystal Palace,” Sky Sports News reporter Gilmour said. “Today, Bukayo Saka is not out there, he continues to get treatment for that calf injury he picked up from that challenge from James McArthur.
“Kieran Tierney not out there, as well. But we’re led to believe that is nothing serious, [it’s just] bumps and bruises ahead of the Aston Villa game.”
Arteta dealt possible injury blow at Arsenal with Tierney and Saka?
Arteta will hope Tierney and Saka recover from their respective injury problems to play for Arsenal against Aston Villa. Both have been key for the Spaniard so far this term, with both featuring in all eight Premier League fixtures.
Tierney has opened each of Arsenal’s top-flight matches since penning a new £110k-a-week contract over the summer. He has also only failed to hear the final whistle twice, when Arteta withdrew the 24-year-old against Chelsea and Burnley.
Nuno Tavares will expect to start if Tierney’s injury proves more severe and he cannot face Aston Villa on Friday. The £7m summer signing from Benfica is yet to open a league fixture with the Gunners after four substitute appearances. But opened both of their Carabao Cup ties while Arteta rested Tierney against West Brom and Wimbledon.
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