Kieran Tierney Returns to Arsenal Squad After Lengthy Injury Layoff

Kieran Tierney Brendan Rodgers
Soccer Football - Europa League - Celtic Training - Lennoxtown Training Centre, Glasgow, Britain - November 7, 2018 Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers and Kieran Tierney during training Action Images via Reuters/Carl Recine

Kieran Tierney has been included in Arsenal’s matchday squad for the first time since their Community Shield triumph over Manchester City in August.

Kieran Tierney Celtic
Reuters / Jason Cairnduff Livepic

The 27-year-old has travelled to Lisbon for the Gunners’ UEFA Champions League clash with Sporting CP, starting on the bench, after we wrote earlier about how he travelled to Portugal.

Tierney has endured a frustrating period on the sidelines after suffering a hamstring injury during Scotland’s Euro 2024 qualifiers. The setback occurred during the second match of the international break, an hour into the game against Switzerland, following a tough outing in the 7-1 defeat to Germany. The injury has kept him out of action at the club and international levels ever since.

His return to Arsenal’s squad signals a potential turning point as the January transfer window approaches. Despite being under contract at the Emirates until 2026, speculation over Tierney’s future continues to swirl.

Celtic supporters have not hidden their hopes for a reunion with Tierney, who left Parkhead for Arsenal in a record £25 million deal in 2019. Rumours of a return gained momentum last month after the defender was spotted in conversation with Brendan Rodgers at a Celtic Foundation event in London.

While no concrete reports have emerged to suggest a deal is in the works, Tierney’s lack of game time under Mikel Arteta has only fueled speculation. As January looms, the possibility of Tierney seeking more regular football elsewhere cannot be ruled out.