Loaded Kieran Tierney question sees Mikel Arteta bite as he hopes Arsenal outcast feels hurt over snubs

MIkel Arteta has told Kieran Tierney he IS in his plans at Arsenal - and is hoping 'disappointment' at his opening day snub can fuel an Emirates revival.

Tierney appears out of favour under at the Premier League title-chasers and speculation over an exit has been swirling. Newcastle and Celtic have both been heavily linked and speculation grew arms and legs after Tierney was left out of their opening league game against Nottingham Forest altogether. An injury to Jurrien Timber, who deputised at left-back in TIerney's lieu before he limped off, however, appears to have complicated matters somewhat.

Arsenal are believed to be open to Tierney leaving but would prefer to sell rather than loan him out which has turned Newcastle's attention to Chelsea's Lewis Hall instead. Now Arteta insists the Scotland defender IS part of his plans having used him off the bench in the Community Shield against Man City. Asked if he is part of his plans, the Arsenal boss cagily responded: "Well, he played the Community Shield. How can a player that played five days before (the league started) not be in my plans?"

And when asked if Tierney was disappointed to be left out on opening day, Arteta simply added: "I hope so."

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