The 22-year-old joined Arsenal from Scottish champions Celtic for £25m on transfer deadline day but has had to deal with a number of fitness issues that has restricted his involvement in the Gunners first team.
Tierney made his Arsenal debut in the Carabao Cup last week when Nottingham Forest were thrashed 5-0 at the Emirates Stadium, but he subsequently missed Monday’s 1-1 draw at Manchester United as Unai Emery continues to ease him into action.
Tierney played for 77 minutes against the Championship side before being replaced by Hector Bellerin, who was also making a comeback from a long-term knee injury suffered against Chelsea last season.
‘He needs time, confidence, training and playing’, Emery said of Tierney at his news conference when previewing Thursday’s game.
He added: ‘It is a good opportunity, he is ready to play. He will take minutes and confidence’
‘He will be able with us to show his progress.
‘I asked Kieran yesterday because we were waiting first for him to be with us consistently. Each step yesterday is important to be consistent.
‘He didn’t play in Manchester because he had a small problem, not important, but the doctor told us it was important for him to be here with us, preparing for the game.’
Scotland have opted against calling up Tierney for their upcoming EURO 2020 qualifiers against Russia and San Marino, as he continues to regain match sharpness.
