Speaking after Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Eintracht Frankfurt, Unai Emery confirmed that both Kieran Tierney and Hector Bellerin will play for Steve Bould’s under-23s when they take on Wolves tomorrow night.
Tierney has yet to kick a ball in anger for Arsenal since completing his move from Celtic in the summer. He’s been working his way back from a groin problem having had a hernia operation earlier this summer.
Bellerin has been sidelined by an ACL injury since January. It’s been a long road back for the Spaniard who has been sorely missed at right-back. In his absence, Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Carl Jenkinson, Stephan Lichtsteiner and, most recently, Calum Chambers have covered for him.
Obviously, it’s great news that the full-back duo is edging closer to first team action. Here’s hoping they come through tomorrow’s game unscathed.
Eager to see how they fare.
Great news.
I was hoping Holding would play some part in today’s game. He and the 2 full-backs would improve our defence.
If we can get the midfield to function to a cohesive plan, then it would help us stop leaking chances.
Great news.
Here is a slightly tangential thought; one Holding its back, and our CB numbers are a little stronger, does anyone think Chambers has any chance of playing himself into Xhaka spot? I guess probably not as maybe he lacks a little technically, but at the same time Xhaka is error prone and Emery seems to prefer a big guy in that area rather than a Torreira type figure..
I like Chambers, but he has the exact same deficiencies as Xhaka, he’s very slow over the first few metres, has zero agility, and is consistently forced into making rash challenges against pacy players with quick feet because of his deficiencies.
And whilst I wouldn’t say no to an upgrade, I quite like Xhaka, and think as it stands he’s one of the first players on our team sheet.
Apart from his speed, dynamism, athleticism and quick feet, I think he’d be perfect for the role.
Chambers would be utilized as a cdm to cover / sub for Xhaka Torreira for sure.
Can’t wait to see these two playing. They will be a welcome boost to our battered defence.
Tierney “You were right”
Bellerin “They do move in herds”
All being well tomorrow, they’ll be ready for the Forest game on Tuesday night – along with Holding hopefully. It’ll also be another chance for Martinez and the young attacking talent (Saka, Smith Rowe & Nelson).
Four day turnaround might be tough after a long layoff
If Holding had no part to play today in EL, why wasn’t he left at home to train and play with 23s to continue his come back? Unless he is going to play a part against Villa, doesn’t make sense to bring him with us knowing he wouldn’t play. Either way, so great to have defenders coming back into the squad
Could be that he will start on Tuesday and they don’t want to overplay him on his return to the first team
YES YES YES (When Harry met Sally style ?) ?
We have such an amazing amount of talent in AMN, who has been covering RB for us since Berrelin got injured. Having him play in his preferred central role would be a huge addition or like a new signing for us.
Thing is.. if we don’t want Bellerin to get injured again then he can’t be playing every game. As there is no other RB in the team, AMN will still play there for rotation.
Our u23 game tomorrow against Wolves is being streamed on their website and their app for anyone who wants to watch. Looking forward to seeing the guys in red and white.
Love how Hector seems to take care of Tierney since he arrived. Should really be in consideration for the armband.
I’ would think some people would learn by now not to get their hopes up too high with certain players. All players coming in have to prove themselves even if the bar isn’t set terribly high. 1) Not too long ago people were going on about Guendouzi replacing Granit before as expected, he showed learning curve issues. 2) Holding has been playing with the U23s. He hasn’t exactly been entirely been watertight as yet. And less we forget he was best last season in a back3. 3) Pepe cost 72m but does not mean he will give that level of… Read more »
Just glad that Bellerin is back…..with a nicer haircut. And without that moustache.
Anybody know a way of watching this online?