Arsenal could make key loan decision ahead of Liverpool clash as injuries begin to mount up
Injuries are beginning to add up for Arsenal - they could recall a player out on loan to prevent a crisis in January.
The last couple of weeks have not been kind to Arsenal. Not only have they lost their last two games in the Premier League, they are also on the cusp of an injury crisis - to ameliorate this, they could look to recall a player they shipped out on loan back in the summer.
The player in question is Kieran Tierney, who is currently out on loan at Real Sociedad in La Liga. He would be recalled to replace Oleksandr Zinchenko who has recently been ruled out with an injury that will keep him out of action for an indeterminate amount of time, according to the Daily Express.
A move back to Arsenal, assuming he would be given the lion's share of playing time at left-back, would likely be beneficial to both the club and the player. Tierney's playing time at Sociedad has been somewhat limited - as things stand, he has played in eight La Liga games, registering a single assist along the way.
Would Kieran Tierney be an improvement over Oleksandr Zinchenko?
While Zinchenko provides an effective attacking threat down the left flank, offering support to the likes of Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard, his defensive ability has been called into question on occasion. Moreover, he is not the most physically robust of players, being just 5ft 9 and possessing a wiry frame.
Tierney, on the other hand, provides a much more domineering defensive presence. This is evidenced in his ability to play as a left-sided centre-back in a back three, as well as at left-back and at left midfield.
The Scottish international has had a tough couple of years, being out of favour under the stewardship of Mikel Arteta - however, this could be just the opportunity that he needs to get his career back on track ahead of the Euros in the summer.