Key Arsenal duo set to return against Man Utd but Bellerin misses out

Rob Holding and Kieran Tierney are set to be included in Arsenal’s squad against Manchester United on Monday but Hector Bellerin will miss the trip to Old Trafford.

Holding came through the full 90 minutes during Arsenal’s Carabao Cup win over Nottingham Forest last week having already built-up his fitness during several appearances for the U23s in recent weeks.

The centre-back has recently returned to fitness following a serious knee ligament injury and is now set in contention to face Man Utd on Monday after not being involved for the Arsenal U23s against Liverpool this afternoon.

Tierney has also been building up his fitness with the Arsenal academy side after recovering from a groin injury that he was carrying when he completed a £25m move to north London from Celtic on deadline day.

The Scottish international made his first start for the Gunners during the League Cup win on Tuesday and wasn’t involved with the U23s today so he too looks set to be included in Uani Emery’s squad against Man Utd.

However, Bellerin won’t be involved at Old Trafford on Monday night as the right-back played the full 90 minutes for the Arsenal U23s during their 2-2 draw with Liverpool this afternoon.

The Spanish full-back made an impressive 15 minute cameo for the first team against Nottingham Forest in the Carabao Cup leading to calls from some Arsenal fans for him to face Man Utd in the Premier League.

However, Bellerin won’t play twice in three days after turning out for the U23s today. The good news for Arsenal is he grabbed an assist and looked sharp so there is a strong chance Bellerin will be back with the first team when Arsenal take on Standard Liege in the Europa League on Thursday night.

It will be a huge boost for Arsenal to have Holding and Tierney available against United as they should strengthen their back four but Ainsley Maitland-Niles or Calum Chambers will start at right-back in the absence of Bellerin.