Mikel Arteta has provided an update on the timescale of Kieran Tierney's injury for Arsenal.
The Scottish international has not played for the Gunners since their 3-0 victory over Newcastle in the Premier League on January 18th.
Without a natural replacement in the squad following the departure of Sead Kolasinac last month, the Gunners have been forced to play Cedric out of position at left back, meaning their attack has often suffered as a result.
Initially it was thought that he was suffering from just a minor calf injury, but speaking ahead of Arsenal's game against Leeds on Sunday, Arteta confirmed Tierney has also been suffering from a knee injury before going on to speak about how long he expects him to be out for.
"We’re going to have to see how the knee reacts when he starts to get a little bit more load," said the Spaniard when asked about a potential return date.
"He hasn’t done much yet. He’s very positive at the moment he’s in great spirits, he’s desperate to get back on the team.
"We will see in the next few days the moment he starts to train more with the team how that knee is feeling and react a lot."
Arteta then went on to add that Tierney's injury had been worse than previously thought.
"Well, we didn’t know," he said. "When you have pain and you are not comfortable and you are someone like Kieran who does everything 100 miles per hour you need to be in the right condition.
"When someone like him tells you he doesn’t feel right, something is wrong, you worry because you know how much he wants it as well.
"He’s in a much better place now, the last few days he’s feeling better, he’s training he’s positive, he’s willing to come back early and help the team and hopefully we can have him soon."
Arsenal revealed yesterday that they are hoping to have Tierney back in full training next week.
It is not yet known whether he will be fit in time for their Europa League clash against Benfica on Thursday, but a return for the Gunners next Premier League match after that against Leicester seems far more likely.
