Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has heaped praise on Kieran Tierney as he continues his recovery from a dislocated shoulder.

The former Celtic left-back has been out of action since December when he injured his shoulder against West Ham. Game time had already been somewhat limited for Tierney having also had to come through a double hernia issue and a thigh problem.

Having recently returned to light training with the Gunners first-team, Tierney has now stepped things up a gear. And Spaniard Arteta - who has not worked with the player in a game scenario since taking over from Unai Emery - has liked what he's seen so far.

READ MORE: Kieran Tierney in full training with Arsenal and Mikel Arteta after shoulder injury

"He is making very good progress but we need to wait for the bone and the attachment to the tendon to heal before he can make any contact," Arteta said.

"He has been training, his work ethic is incredible, I have been really impressed with him so hopefully we can get him back soon but we need to be a little bit patient with him."

Tierney faces a race to be fit for Scotland's Nations League playoff clash with Israel next month, though manager Steve Clarke will be pleased to see the player back running and working with his club mates.