Arsenal now facing 'risky situation' over £25m star at the Emirates

Arsenal are best off ‘not risking’ Kieran Tierney against Tottenham Hotspur over the weekend, according to journalist Dean Jones.

The 25-year-old has endured a difficult time with the north London outfit when it comes to injuries and suffered his latest setback while on international duty with Scotland.

Tierney featured from the off in his nation’s 2-1 victory over the Republic of Ireland last Saturday but had to be substituted before half-time after taking a blow to his head.

Ironically, the marauding left-back was caught by the shoulder of Tottenham’s Matt Doherty before Troy Parrot’s boot made contact with his head, forcing him to leave the field of play.

However, Scotland manager Steve Clarke revealed after the game that Tierney was only taken off as a precaution, providing positive news to Arsenal and their supporters.

“Kieran was precautionary in the first half,” said Clarke. “He got a knock and the doctor decided to take him off.”

Tierney played no part in Scotland’s subsequent 0-0 draw against Ukraine, though, and the Gunners’ medical staff will have to decide for themselves whether he is ready to play any part in the first north London derby of the season.

Arsenal have nine fixtures in all competitions throughout a hectic October schedule, and Jones believes Mikel Arteta would wise to play it safe when it comes to Tierney’s fitness.

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He told GiveMeSport: “The other thing to consider here is that they can’t put players at any risk during this intense period of games.

“So, it is a tricky one managing who gets minutes. With someone like Tierney, who’s obviously got a track record, you’re probably best just