TIERNEY MISSES THREE MONTHS TO CONCERN CLUB AND COUNTRY

ARSENAL defender Kieran Tierney faces up to three months out with a dislocated shoulder, it was confirmed yesterday.

The Scotland international suffered the injury during the Gunners’ 3-1 victory over West Ham on Monday night.

Arsenal announced yesterday that their summer signing from Celtic will have surgery next week and then began a rehabilitation process they said will last ‘around three months’.

That means the 22-year-old left-back would face a sweat to be fit for Scotland’s Euro 2020 qualifier with Israel on March

26.

Meanwhile, Freddie Ljungberg will have to keep Arsenal in contention for a Europa League place if he is to see out the season with them because the consequences of a £30million drop in income with no European football next season would be difficult for the club to bear.

Arsenal once fretted over whether they would make the Champions League but now must hang on to Europa League football if they are to continue to build the squad under a new manager

In terms of the new manager, Arsenal are adamant that it is more important that they make the right appointment rather than a quick one.

‘This is Arsenal,’ said one club source, insisting they would not be rushed. ‘An appointment will be made on our terms.’

Of more concern short term is today’s visit to the Emirates of champions Manchester City.

Former captain Granit Xhaka will miss out due to a concussion suffered in that West Ham game, while Rob Holding (knee) and Dani Ceballos (hamstring) are both out as well.

Nicolas Pepe, a scorer against West Ham, has overcome a bruised knee, however.