Kieran Tierney facing Arsenal sliding doors moment as Mikel Arteta reshuffle tease sets up major reality check

Forgotten Arsenal defender Kieran Tierney faces a major chance to make a claim for the left-back slot - with boss Mikel Arteta preparing for the "unusual" fixture list.

The Scotland defender had been a mainstay of the Gunners backline following his arrival in North London from Celtic back in 2019, but following the arrival of Oleksandr Zinchenko from Manchester City has found himself on the sidelines earning just four starts so far this season. His last English Premier League appearance came over a month ago when he was handed a late cameo in the derby victory over Tottenham, but he could be in line for more minutes against Aston Villa on Saturday.

With Arteta searching for a reaction from his players after defeat to City and slipping from top spot in the table, he admits he plans a shake up of the starting eleven - sighting the rules of the Champions League as influencing his decision making at Villa Park. A second chance for Tierney could be just what he needs, however if he is not handed minutes it could signal a bleak future for Tierney at the Emirates.

Arsenal boss Arteta said: "There are certain rules with the Champions League. When you are playing on Wednesday night and then you cannot play [on Saturday lunchtime]. So I think that should apply to any competition.

"Following the same principle, I think you are talking physiologically, that is very difficult to turn around on that period to get the best outcome and reduce the injury risk for players. They put the schedule the way they did. It's a bit unusual, but it's what it is.

"It's not about being worried or not worried. We have to play. I want the players to be in the best possible mindset and physically ready to get that challenge going."

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