Kieran Tierney must self-isolate for 14 days

Arsenal left-back Kieran Tierney must self-isolate for 14 days after coming into close contact with fellow Scotland international Stuart Armstrong who tested positive for COVID-19. The Scottish FA confirmed Armstrong’s positive test on Wednesday and announced that Tierney, along with Ryan Christie and two members of the staff would have to self-isolate.

Hopefully Armstrong remains the only positive test and he makes a speedy, uneventful recovery.

Tierney’s required isolation means that he will miss Arsenal’s match against Manchester City on October 17th. Obviously, that’s not great news for the Gunners, who have a 58% win rate with him starting and just 42% when he doesn’t per @Orbinho of Opta Data. Fortunately (?), Arsenal were not able to move Sead Kolasinac to Bayer Leverkusen, and he’ll be able to fill-in for Tierney. Mikel Arteta could also play a back-4 with Bukayo Saka deputizing at left back as he did for a period last season.

Positive coronavirus tests and required self-isolation were always going to be a part of this season, especially with players going out on international duty. With luck, this will be the only occasion that affects Arsenal’s lineup.