Forgotten Arsenal ace fans thought had left appears on team photo for new season (original) (raw)

Arsenal's squad photograph caused a few raised eyebrows on Tuesday as players old and new gathered to commemorate the Gunners' stars of 2024/25 after a promising start to the season

Arsenal's squad photograph for 2024/25

Arsenal have released their senior side's squad photograph and it has seen a few surprises.

Mikel Merino was present for the annual landmark, free from a sling after injuring his shoulder in his first training session. Youngsters Ethan Nwaneri, Lewis Myles-Skelly, Tommy Setford and Ayden Heaven, were also involved in a promising nod for their careers.

A player expected to depart in the summer was also among the number to be documented for 2024/25. Scotland international Kieran Tierney was among the group.

The defender, who spent last season on loan at Real Sociedad, was expected to leave north London before picking up an injury during Euro 2024. Tierney's hamstring injury has seen him not involved so far this season, though he may have his work cut out to outcompete with the likes of Riccardo Calfiori, Jurrien Timber and Oleksandr Zinchenko.

Tierney was also recently named as part of Mikel Arteta's Champions League squad. That selection is valid until the knockout stages where three alterations can be made and perhaps indicates the former Celtic star could return from injury in advance of that.

The Gunners face Atalanta on Thursday as they begin their Champions League campaign. The north London side will make their first outing as the competition takes on its new format.

Speaking in August, Arteta was coy when providing on update on the full-back. Arsenal's boss suggest that rehabilitation was of greater importance than a transfer.

"He needs to focus now on recovering in the best possible way," the Spaniard said. "It’s been a tough time for him, with the last injury. We have to try to support him and make sure he comes back fit."

Kieran Tierney during the Arsenal Men's Squad Photograph at Sobha Realty Training Centre (

Image:

David Price/Arsenal FC)

There remained an element of surprise in the fanbase however, with many surprised to see Tierney when the club posted on X. "Kieran Tierney is still with us?" commented one user.

Another responded: "Forgot that Tierney was still registered for our squad." While a further fan said: "What’s Tierney doing there?"

Another expressed greater concern: "The squad is so thin that we have space beside Martinelli, those guys in front are the main guys the face of the new project. 4 academy boys in the squad and Kieran Tierney too."

Others were reassured by his presence however. "There is sooo much talent and even Tierney is back with the squad now. I love it," said an Arsenal supporter. "We have soooo many variations in way we can attack to way we defend. Honestly love this group."

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Prime Video is broadcasting one Champions League game every game week free for Amazon Prime members. Arsenal's upcoming fixtures include Paris Saint-Germain on October 1 and Shakhtar Donetsk on October 22, both of which are free for Prime members or those signing up for a 30-day free trial.

Every Champions League and Europa League game is also available on TNT Sports via Prime Video’s Discovery+ channel.