Arsenal are carefully managing Kieran Tierney's return from injury after he withdrew from the latest Scotland squad.

Signed from Celtic in the summer, Tierney only made his debut for Arsenal last week after recovering from a double hernia operation.

Reports suggested the 22-year-old pulled out of his country's qualifiers against Russia and San Marino due to a fresh injury setback.

However, the London Evening Standardhas quoted a club source that says the decision was due to a "phased return to match fitness" implemented by the Gunners.

The news will come as a relief to Arsenal fans after Tierney's excellent debut in the win over Nottingham Forest last week.