Arsenal defender Kieran Tierney has been handed his first start for the club in close to two years, after overcoming numerous injury setbacks both with the Gunners and while out on loan.
On Wednesday, Arsenal host Crystal Palace in the quarterfinals of the Carabao Cup at the Emirates Stadium, with a place in the semi-final, just three wins away from the trophy, on the line for the winner.
Mikel Arteta has named a strong Arsenal starting lineup, despite making plenty of changes to contend with the busy festive schedule, including handing defender Tierney his first competitive start for the club since May 2023, 18 months ago.
The full Arsenal starting lineup against the Eagles is: David Raya; Thomas Partey, Jurrien Timber, Jakub Kiwior, Kieran Tierney; Jorginho, Mikel Merino, Ethan Nwaneri; Raheem Sterling, Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Jesus.
Since his last Arsenal appearance, on the final day of the 2022/23 Premier League season, when the Gunners beat Wolves 5-0 at home, Tierney has suffered numerous injuries and spent the 2023/24 season on loan with La Liga side Real Sociedad, whom Arsenal brought Mikel Merino from during the summer transfer window.
