Mikel Arteta handed selection dilemma ahead of Watford match

Arsenal are set to be boosted by the return of Kieran Tierney ahead of their Premier League encounter with Watford.

Tierney has missed the last three matches due to a bruised ankle that he picked up in training and has since been replaced by Nuno Tavares.

Tavares has excelled and there have been no complaints about the Portuguese left-back. Tavares’s performances have opened up a debate on who should claim the left-back role.

The 21-year-old was signed from Benfica for £8m and was Arsenal’s first purchase of the summer transfer window, he was signed to provide cover for Tierney.

No one would have thought that Tavares could challenge Tierney who has been tipped to be the Gunners next captain.

The Scotland international was someone who Arsenal couldn’t play without and whenever he’d pick up an injury, Arsenal had troubles at left-back.

Kieran Tierney returned to full training this week.

However, Tierney hasn’t been at his best this season and has had a slight dip in form. If Tavares retains his place in the starting eleven it would push Tierney to work harder and fight to regain his place.

Healthy competition for places is exactly what Arsenal need in every key position and the Tierney vs Tavares competition is a good thing, Arteta will have find a way to utilize both.