Kieran Tierney rejoins Arsenal squad following five-month injury layoff

Scottish defender Kieran Tierney has concluded a five-month period of injury absence, having been named in Arsenal’s first-team squad for the London club’s Champions League fixture against Sporting on Tuesday. The 27-year-old has been unavailable for selection since June, after sustaining a hamstring tear during a match against Switzerland at Euro 2024. However, he has also been out of favour with manager Mikel Arteta since summer 2023. Speaking at a media conference in Lisbon on Monday, the Spaniard commented: “We have Kieran Tierney with us after a long injury. “It’s great news that he is back. He’s been training with us and he is available to participate.” Tierney’s last appearance for Arsenal was as a substitute in August 2023, during their Community Shield victory over Manchester City, which was decided by a penalty shoot-out following a 1-1 draw. Having fallen out of the first-team plans, he spent the remainder of the season on loan at Real Sociedad, where he made 26 appearances for the La Liga side. He remains under contract with Arsenal until 2026. Since his most recent injury, Tierney has missed seven matches for Scotland, including all of their Nations League group games. The announcement of his return from injury comes two days after Scotland goalkeeper Angus Gunn rejoined the Norwich City team, having missed six club matches and four international fixtures. The 28-year-old contributed to the Canaries’ 2-2 away draw against West Bromwich Albion in the Championship, following his recovery from a rib injury. Scotland is scheduled to play a double-header play-off against Greece in March, as they aim to secure their position in League A.