Kieran Tierney set to hand Scotland Euro 2020 boost as Arsenal defender set for shock comeback

Scotland's defender Kieran Tierney. (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN/AFP via Getty Images)

After imperious performances in the three World Cup qualifiers against Austria, Israel and the Faroe Islands last month Scotland, and the defender, were hit by the hammer blow of a knee injury which threatened to rule him out for the remainder of the season.

Positive news was received last week that the ex-Celtic defender could be back in time for two preparatory friendlies against Luxembourg and the Netherlands in June – but the prognosis is even better for Arsenal and the Tartan Army.

Ahead of the Europa League semi-final, the Gunners’ boss Mikel Arteta revealed that Tierney was in his thoughts as he selected his squad to face Villareal – along with fellow injury and illness doubts Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Arsenal's Spanish manager Mikel Arteta (Photo by IAN KINGTON/AFP via Getty Images)

“They are all in contention,” he said.

Tierney was feared to need an operation after pulling up in his side’s 3-0 defeat to Liverpool last month, however Arteta said: "He didn't need the surgery that we were afraid of. He's been working like a beast every single day.

"I don't know if he's going to make it tomorrow but he certainly wants to be as close as possible."

Arteta, who spent two years at Rangers as a player, added: "We need players like Tierney. We know they are the kind of players who can make a difference in a big tie like this, but I only want to put players on the pitch who feel safe to perform.”

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