Gunners in talks over Tierney self-isolation

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is hoping to have Scotland defender Kieran Tierney available for tomorrow ’s Premier League trip to Manchester City as discussions over his need to self- isolate continue.

Tierney, as well as compatriot Ryan Christie, were instructed to quarantine for 14 days after Scotland team-mate Stuart Armstrong tested positive for Covid-19 while on international duty.

Both Tierney and Christie returned negative tests and have insisted they complied with social-distancing guidelines.

But the Lothian Health Protection Team identified the two players – as well as two members of the Scotland backroom staff – as close contacts of Armstrong.

Tierney missed Scotland’s three fixtures and told Arsenal’s website he was “so disappointed and frustrated to be in this situation”.

But, as talks remain ongoing to release Tierney from his period of selfisolation, Arteta remains hopeful the full-back can feature at the Etihad Stadium this weekend.

“We are still having some discussions with the authorities,” the Arsenal boss said.

“This is getting very complicated when you are sending players abroad and you lose control.

“Some authorities have different regulations to the actual ones in the Premier League.”

The number of positive Cov id -19 tests has increased during the international break, with the Republic of Ireland squad hit by a number of enforced withdrawals, while Portugal captain Cr is t iano Rona ldo was also a confirmed coronavirus case.

Arteta believes it is important to keep international fixtures on the calendar with big tournaments around the corner.

“I think international football has to continue going because there are some competitions that have to happen,” he added.

“They were already delayed last summer and they have to take place because those organisations have to be sustainable and we all understand that.

“What we are asking is that we try to unify those protocols, rules, to try to create a safe environment for our players.”