Mikel Arteta may have just found a shock replacement for Kieran Tierney

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is likely to be without Kieran Tierney for the remainder of the season.

The Gunners left-back has damaged his left knee and will undergo surgery to rectify the problem.

“Kieran’s rehabilitation programme will start immediately after his surgery,” Arsenal said on their website.

“At which stage a clearer understanding will be established on his recovery timescale.

“However, it is likely that Kieran will now miss the remainder of this season.”

Tierney missed the 3-0 loss at Crystal Palace with Nuno Tavares deputising.

However, the 22-year-old struggled, and Arteta took him off at half-time.

It was Tavares’ first start since Nottingham Forest in January, when he was taken off after 35 minutes.

Granit Xhaka ended up filling in at left-back.

To say Arteta now has a problem in that position is an understatement.

But according to football.london, he may have just found a replacement for Tierney from the youth setup.

The outlet claims Lino Sousa is reportedly continuing to catch Arteta’s eye.

Arsenal’s coaches have apparently earmarked Sousa as a potential star of the future at the Emirates.

The Mirror covered football.london’s article and also speculated Arteta could turn to Sousa at left-back.

While Tavares and Xhaka are likely to keep deputising for Tierney, it looks as though Sousa is now also in the frame.

Lino Sousa factfile

Arsenal signed Sousa, a versatile 17-year-old left-sided player, from West Brom in January.

He reportedly caught the attention of several Premier League sides due to his fantastic dribbling ability and close control.

Sousa spent last season playing in the Baggies Under-18s side, two years above his own age group.

Since arriving at Arsenal, the youngster has already made nine appearances at Under-18 and Under-23 level.

Sousa has made three Premier League two appearances and has got two goals for the U23s.

He has also impressed for England at youth level.

Sousa was called up for an England training camp in March 2020.

He has gone on to represent the Young Lions at U15 and U16 level.

Football.london quotes West Brom Under-18’s coach Peter Gilbert as saying: “Lino’s an athletic full-back.

“Reads the game well, has a lovely left foot and it’s not often a (then) 16-year-old plays an entire season with the 18s.

“But that’s credit to him because he has so much potential.”