Arsenal include forgotten man in Champions League squad as Gabriel Martinelli handed new number

Forgotten Arsenal star Kieran Tierney has been included in Mikel Areteta's squad for the Champions League.

The Scotland international was expected to move on this summer before suffering an injury while representing his nation at Euro 2024 in Germany. Tierney has yet to return from the hamstring issue and has remained with Arsenal with the Premier League's transfer window now shut.

Arteta was coy last month when providing an update on his progress. "He needs to focus now on recovering in the best possible way," the Spaniard said. "It’s been a tough time for him, with the last injury. We have to try to support him and make sure he comes back fit."

The squad named will last Arsenal for the duration of the group stage, with three additions able to be made to the A-list before the knockout rounds. An unlimited number of players can be added to the B-list should players meet the criteria.

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Ethan Nwaneri was not named among the group, but is expected to be on the B-list. Players can be added to the squad via that route up until midnight CET before the scheduled match.

Tierney's inclusion could perhaps hint that he will recover in time to play a role if he is required by the Gunners' first team, or simply mean that Arsenal had the room to be spare. Injured midfielder Mikel Merino is also among the names put forward and could return from his shoulder injury in October.

The squad has seen another unusual occurence however. Gabriel Martinelli appears to have been provided with a new squad number.

The Brazilian ace has already worn 11 so far this season in the Premier League but has 10 by his name within UEFA's release. Martinelli has donned the no. 11 shirt exclusively since 2022/23, and previously wore 35.

Emile Smith Rowe previously donned Arsenal's 10 shirt but departed to Fulham this summer. Before him, Mesut Ozil staked his claim to the number having briefly taken it on from Jack Wilshere who succeeded Robin van Persie.

Arsenal Champions League squad 2024/25

Goalkeepers: David Raya, Neto, Tommy Setford.

Defenders: William Saliba, Kieran Tierney, Ben White, Gabriel Magalhaes, Jurrien Timber, Jakub Kiwior, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Riccardo Calafiori.

Midfielders: Thomas Partey, Martin Odegaard, Jorginho, Mikel Merino, Declan Rice.

Forwards: Kai Havertz, Raheem Sterling, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard.

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