Arsenal confirmed this week that Kieran Tierney is likely to miss the remainder of the season due to a knee injury.

The Scotsman’s torrid luck with injuries continue at Arsenal. He has already missed 38 games in all competitions since joining us in 2019, and it looks like that number will go up by nine this season.

Nuno Tavares is our natural alternative at left-back but his confidence is shattered. Granit Xhaka and Cedric Soars can also play there if required. However, if he really needs them, there are some academy options for Mikel Arteta as well.

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Four Arsenal academy gems Arteta could use to replace Kieran Tierney

Lino Sousa:

Still only 17, Sousa is definitely one to keep an eye on. The teenager joined Arsenal from West Brom in January this year and he has already played nine times for the club’s under-18s and 23s sides.

Sousa is a fantastic dribbler, possesses great control over the ball and is a real threat in attack. He has often featured in first-team training sessions as well, which means Arteta already knows how good he is.

If we really need him, he could be an option.

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Mazeed Ogungbo:

Naturally a centre-half, Ogungbo has been solid for the youth side this season. He’s a really talented young defender and although his best position is in the heart of defence, he can play at left-back and has impressed there.

Ogungbo has played 25 times for the youth side this season and was even named the captain once. He is definitely one to keep an eye on and although it’s unlikely Arteta will call him up, he’s an option if required.

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Zak Swanson:

Swanson, 21, is another player who isn’t naturally a left-back, but he’s someone who can play almost everywhere on the pitch.

The young defender, a right-back by trade, has played across the backline, in defensive midfield and also on both wings for Arsenal’s under-23s this season. He has a hugely talented young player and he’s someone who can step up if we need him.

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Joel Lopez:

Regular followers of Arsenal’s academy would’ve had Lopez in mind as a possible option to call up from the youth setup to replace Tierney. However, the young Spaniard is currently injured as well.

It is unclear when Lopez will return to action, but if it’s anytime soon, he’ll be ahead of everyone above in the pecking order to step up and make his debut for the senior side.

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