Arsenal are now looking likely to announce Kieran Tierney can take part in the match against Manchester City this weekend, according to a report.

Derek McGregor reports that Arsenal look ‘poised to announce’ they’ll have Kieran Tierney available for the match against Manchester City on Saturday.

Normally, we wouldn’t pay much attention to a reporter from The Scottish S*n, but Tierney is the one case where they have a decent history of reporting. Back when the defender joined Arsenal, the outlet were the ones to break the news of each bid.

Nick Ames adds that there’s ‘considerable optimism’ Tierney will be cleared to play. But there’s no confirmation yet.

The Gunners are trying to cut short Tierney’s 14-day isolation based on a number of factors.

Firstly, they have picture evidence he wasn’t sitting within two metres of the infected Stuart Armstrong. Secondly, he tested negative for the virus. Thirdly, he tested positive for the antibodies. Plus, he reportedly already had it over the summer.

As recently as yesterday, it was looking increasingly negative they’d succeed in getting the 23-year-old out. But it now appears there might be a last-minute u-turn making him available for action.

We obviously need an answer in the next few hours, as Arsenal will need to submit their matchday squad today. It’s not ideal preparation for the game, as he missed team training for the last week or so. But Mikel Arteta still needs him available.