KIERAN TIERNEY has suffered ligament damage in his left knee and could be out of action for six weeks.
But the Arsenal left-back does NOT require surgery.
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There were fears as he limped off after a collision with Liverpool’s James Milner on Saturday that he had done serious damage.
The Scot, 23, is expected to be out of action for at least a month.
But the Gunners hope to have the ex-Celtic defender back in full training in four to six weeks.
Tierney has made 33 appearances this season, chipping in with two goals and four assists.
He missed six matches earlier this year through another knee injury.
The full-back could be on course to win Arsenal’s player of the year after a stellar personal campaign amid turbulence in North London.
But incredibly, the stats reveal Mikel Arteta is actually better off WITHOUT Tierney.
In the seven Premier League games where he has not featured, the Gunners average more goals scored, fewer goals against, a better win percentage and an improved points-per-game return.
Arsenal also revealed in their team news briefing ahead of Thursday’s Europa League clash with Slavia Prague that Bukayo Saka is fit and available for selection again.
The youngster, who could come straight back in at left-back, pulled out of England duty and missed the Liverpool defeat through a hamstring strain.
In further boosts, Granit Xhaka and Emile Smith Rowe are also back, while Martin Odegaard will be assessed ahead of the first-leg quarter-final tie at the Emirates.
David Luiz, however, is out as he recovers from minor knee surgery.
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