Arteta challenges Tierney to bring 'something special' to Arsenal

Mikel Arteta insists summer signing Kieran Tierney will bring Arsenal "something special" when the Premier League restarts following its suspension due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Scot completed a £25million deal last summer, but has made just five Premier League appearances after struggling with hip and shoulder injuries, and is yet to play under Arteta.

The Premier League is hopeful of an early June resumption, while Arsenal players restarted individual training sessions at their London Colney training ground earlier this week.

Arteta, although admitting the injury setbacks have been a blow for the full-back, has challenged Tierney to prove himself when football returns.

Speaking to Arsenal legend Ian Wright as part of Adidas' 'I'm Going To Call You' campaign, Arteta said: “I'm really looking forward to working with him and giving him the opportunity to play.

“His attitude, his commitment, his willingness, it's incredible.

“I think he's going to bring something special to us. It [the injury] has been a shame, but it's part of his development. During your career, you go through these moments.

“I challenged him to say, Kieran, how are you going to react to that? You can't feel sorry for yourself, this happened.

“Okay, the level of pressure now is a little bit higher, you have to deal with it, you're playing with a top club, top expectations, deal with it. You have everything to be successful here.

“You have the best possible attitude that I've known from a player, go and live your profession and enjoy it.”

Arsenal sit ninth in the Premier League table, eight points behind Chelsea in fourth. A rejuvenated Tierney could provide exactly the boost they need in an end-of-the-season push.