Mikel Arteta could have a pleasant selection dilemma ahead of this weekend's North London Derby against Tottenham Hotspur. The Arsenal boss has settled on a fairly settled starting XI so far this season, but he has a big decision to make at left-back for the visit of Antonio Conte's side.
Olkesandr Zinchenko has missed three of Arsenal's last four games through injury and he wasn't included in Ukraine's squad for the international break due to a calf problem. When Zinchenko has not been available, Kieran Tierney has started in his place, although he also suffered an injury scare during the international break.
Tierney was forced off the in the first half of Scotland's 2-1 win over the Republic of Ireland on Saturday after suffering a blow to the head. Scotland boss Steve Clarke confirmed post-match that the Arsenal defender was only taken off as a precaution, which is a big boost for the Gunners heading into Saturday's game.
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Both players are injury doubts, but there is a chance they could be available for selection, which would cause Arteta something of a selection headache. However, former Gunners striker Kevin Campbell believes Tierney should get the nod over Zinchenko if both players are fit. The Ukraine international has started four of Arsenal's seven Premier League games so far, with Tierney selected in the other three.
“Kieran Tierney’s going to start, if he’s fit," Campbell told The Highbury Squad.
"Let’s be honest, Zinchenko hasn’t played for a while. Kieran Tierney went off, but it was more a precaution, so hopefully he’s going to be all right.
“I thought Kieran Tierney against Brentford was outstanding. I really thought he was outstanding. And I think he was starting to get a grip in his own way of playing in that midfield at times.
"We didn’t look out of shape, we looked dominant with Kieran Tierney in the team. I thought it was his best game all season so if he’s fit, he plays. Zinchenko will probably be on the bench.”
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