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    Arsenal Say Kieran Tierney, Hector Bellerin Set for September Injury Returns

    Matt JonesFeatured ColumnistAugust 29, 2019

    LANDOVER, MD - JULY 23: Hector Bellerin of Arsenal during the International Champions Cup fixture between Real Madrid and Arsenal at FedExField on July 23, 2019 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Matthew Ashton - AMA/Getty Images)
    Matthew Ashton - AMA/Getty Images

    Arsenal have confirmed full-backs Kieran Tierney and Hector Bellerin are on course to return from injury in September.

    The Gunners provided an update on the condition of a number of players on their official website on Thursday ahead of the showdown with Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League on Sunday.

    While the north London derby will come too early for both players, Arsenal fans don't appear to be too far off seeing the duo in action.

    In the case of Bellerin, who has been out since January with a cruciate knee ligament injury, the Gunners say he is "continuing with on-field rehabilitation." They add the right-back is "progressing well and aiming to participate in full training in September."

    As for Tierney, Arsenal revealed the Scotland international is also aiming for a return to full training in September, as he "continues to receive treatment and further assessments" on a groin issue. The left-back is still waiting to make his first appearance for Arsenal, having signed for the club from Celtic in the summer.

    Per James Benge of Football.London, the most recent update on Tierney would suggest he's poised to be back earlier than anticipated:

    James Benge @jamesbenge

    As reported in the week Tierney recovering ahead of schedule, now expected back in training in September. Same for Bellerin.

    Arsenal Say Kieran Tierney, Hector Bellerin Set for September Injury Returns
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    Arsenal add that centre-back Konstantinos Mavropanos is also hoping to return to training in September, while Rob Holding stepped up his recovery from an anterior cruciate knee ligament injury on Monday, when he was part of the under-23 side that faced Everton.

    The number of defensive injuries Arsenal have endured means that manager Unai Emery has started the season with a makeshift defence. Per James Dall, they opened their campaign against Newcastle United with arguably their best back four injured:

    James Dall @JamesDall_

    Arsenal's back four arguably entirely second choice due to injuries. Will eventually be: Bellerin, Luiz, Holding, Tierney.

    Emery has had to cope without Bellerin for a while, and he has been a big miss on the right flank.

    Although Ainsley Maitland-Niles has filled in admirably at times, Bellerin is more of a natural in the position and is capable of providing an attacking threat that is unmatched by the majority of full-backs in the Premier League.

    Tierney's acquisition should give the Gunners similar offensive potency on the left, as the 22-year-old became renowned for his raids forward at Celtic. The extra energy he provides and quality in terms of final ball will give Arsenal a different dimension to Sead Kolasinac or Nacho Monreal.

    Against Tottenham, the Gunners will be seeking to bounce back after they were beaten 3-1 by Liverpool in their previous Premier League outing.