"How has he fallen so far down the pecking order" - Fans believe Arsenal star 'doesn't have a future at the club' as he's left out of UCL starting XI

Fans on social media have questioned Kieran Tierney's future at Arsenal after the Scottish defender was left out of the Gunners' starting XI against AS Monaco in the UEFA Champions League. The match is slated for Wednesday, December 11, at Emirates Stadium.

Kieran Tierney arrived at the Emirates from his boyhood club Celtic in 2019 and was on a season-long loan to Real Sociedad in the last campaign. Following the loan tenure at the LaLiga side, the 27-year-old left-back sustained a hamstring injury at Euro 2024. He only returned to training with the Gunners in November.

Tierney has been named on the bench for Arsenal five times since his recovery last month. However, he is yet to make an appearance for the club this season.

Fans took to social media to react to Mikel Arteta leaving Kieran Tierney out of Arsenal's starting line-up in their sixth UEFA Champions League clash of the season. While some fans were skeptical about the defender's exclusion, some questioned Myles Lewis-Skelly starting over him. Here are some of the reactions from X:

"I love that he’s playing Lewis Skelly, but how has Tierney fallen so far down the pecking order," a fan wrote.

Another added:

"People actually wanted Tierney to start. He doesn't have a future at the club or fit how we play."

"Arteta will never give Tierney time. Wait when he subs on Timber," chimed in another fan.

One account posted:

"Kelly ahead of Tierney Teta hates the Scott"

Another posted:

"Lewis skelly over Tierney. Nahhh this is hate"

"So Tierney is most definitely not in our plans anymore??" posted another.

One user wrote:

"Big call to put Lewis-Skelly at LB. Woild rather have the experienced Tierney there"

While another wrote:

"What’s Tierney still doing on the bench?"

Overall, Kieran Tierney has made 124 appearances for Arsenal, while registering five goals and 13 assists. His current contract with the Gunners is valid until the summer of 2026.

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Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta shuts down transfer exit speculation about Gabriel Jesus

Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta has dismissed reports about the Gunners considering parting ways with Gabriel Jesus in the upcoming transfer window. The 27-year-old forward's current contract at the Emirates is valid until the summer of 2027.

The speculation about Jesus' potential exit comes amid the Brazilian's poor form this season. He has registered only one goal and one assist in 18 appearances across competitions. While speaking at a press conference, Arteta put an end to the rumors while asserting his faith in the centre-forward's capabilities. The Spanish manager said (via GOAL):

"No, no sense. Like all strikers, they go through phases and moments, and that gap [in goals] is becoming big. A lot of things have indeed happened-injuries, absences, not starting games as much but his attitude has been outstanding, it always is. We're going to try to help him overcome the situation as soon as possible."

Since his arrival at Arsenal in 2022, Gabriel Jesus has recorded 20 goals and 16 assists in 87 appearances for the Gunners.