At this stage, it’s unlikely Kieran Tierney will be able to play for Arsenal in their game against Manchester City, according to a report.

Sam Dean of The Telegraph claims Arsenal are still trying to find a way to get Kieran Tierney back for their game against Manchester City this weekend. However, they are unlikely to be successful at this stage.

Mikel Arteta is staying positive, admitting he hopes Tierney can still play. He added: “We are still having some discussions with the authorities and hopefully we will know more this afternoon.”

Frustratingly, all the Portuguese players who spent the break playing alongside Cristiano Ronaldo – who tested positive – will be free to come back and spread the virus to their teammates. It just depends on the rules of their respective countries.

Even though Tierney tested negative, has antibodies to the virus, and already had it earlier in the summer, he has to isolate anyway, thanks to the restrictions in Scotland.

Tierney has next to no chance of giving anyone the virus this weekend, but he may have to sit out the match anyway. Someone like Bruno Fernandes has a significantly higher chance but will start for Manchester United all the same.

It’s enough to make you hope Arsenal refuse to release Tierney to Scotland in November.

The Gunners will probably have to start Sead Kolasinac against Manchester City if Tierney is out, particularly if they play a back four.

In a back three, they could have Ainsley Maitland-Niles or Bukayo Saka at left-wing-back, but it would require Gabriel to play left-centre-back in that three for the first time in an Arsenal shirt. Not impossible, but a gamble against City.