Arsenal exclude out-of-favour star from squad list, he’s as good as gone

Arsenal recently hosted Bayer Leverkusen in pre-season at the Emirates Stadium. It was a tale of camaraderie and coming together, for three reasons. Firstly, it was Granit Xhaka's return to the Emirates Stadium. Secondly, it was Kai Havertz' return to facing Bayer Leverkusen. Thirdly, Mikel Arteta and Xabi Alonso got a chance to meet up, since they are childhood friends.

However, among all the friendship and reunion, there was unfortunately one Arsenal player who was pushed to the side. Kieran Tierney was not involved in the pre-season tour of the USA due to injury reasons, however, he was also excluded from the squad list against Bayer Leverkusen.

Arsenal exclude out-of-favour star from squad list, he’s as good as gone

According to a report from talkSPORT, Arsenal defender Kieran Tierney was completely left out of the squad list in the match-day programme when Arsenal hosted Bayer Leverkusen on Wednesday evening. It is not believed to be a result of his hamstring injury, as injured players are still included in the squad list, regardless of their availability to play.

Beating around the bush does nobody any favours. Let's just admit that Kieran Tierney is not in the immediate plans for Mikel Arteta, this is clear as daylight and must be addressed before it becomes even more detrimental to the player.

Last season, Kieran Tierney was sent out on loan to Real Sociedad. This came after he was pushed out of the starting lineup by Oleksandr Zinchenko and with news that Arsenal had signed Jurrien Timber. It was an impressive loan spell but it's only become harder for Tierney to make the lineup now, with Riccardo Calafiori signed in this position.

Arsenal fans are quick to read between the lines. They have a reputation for being speedier than the best detectives, particularly when it comes to transfer matters. This has materialised in fans checking flight details and even noticing the finer details such as players seeking properties in different locations. Well, this clue involving Kieran Tierney was more glaringly obvious and fans noticed it.

The common consensus is that Kieran Tierney will not be involved for Arsenal this season. Hopefully, he is sold rather than loaned. After all, it is pointless for all parties to keep the dream alive, when it has already sailed past its expiry date.

Do you think Arsenal should sell, keep or loan Kieran Tierney this summer?