Scotland have confirmed that Kieran Tierney’s participation in the European Championships in Germany is over.
The left-back pulled up holding his hamstring in the second half of Wednesday’s 1-1 draw with Switzerland and appeared to be in considerable pain when he was stretchered off.
Manager Steve Clarke was quick to confirm the 27-year-old would be unavailable for Sunday’s decisive final group stage game with Hungary and, unsurprisingly, they’ve decided it’s unlikely he’ll be fit even if they progress to the knockout stages.
In the latest update from the Scotland camp, assistant manager John Carver said:
“He’s got an issue with his hamstring and is heading home to be assessed by Arsenal. They’ll give you updates as they have it, but he’s obviously extremely disappointed.
“If we do progress and we move through the tournament, I’m sure he’ll be back to support us. He’s a young lad, he’s got plenty of time and he’s got to make sure that it’s right for his return.
Whether here or at home, you’re always a big part of this Scotland team, @kierantierney1 💙
Kieran leaves camp due to injury and will return to Arsenal for further assessment.#EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/Bfe1Ebk0aB
— Scotland National Team (@ScotlandNT) June 21, 2024
“It’s a blow because he’s one of our top players and in tournament football you need your best players on the park.”
Unfortunately for Tierney, hamstring issues have plagued him in the last 12 months. Twice he was sidelined by similar issues during his loan spell with Real Sociedad.
Arsenal were expected to try and sell Tierney this summer but much will depend on whether he can get back to full fitness before the transfer window closes at the end of August.
What a shame. Everyone had him pegged as our future captain at one point.
If Kieran didn’t have bad luck he wouldn’t have any. Wishing him a full recovery.
I think keep him. I’m under no illusions that if he could get fit he’d work as a lb but when/if he’s fit let him play cb when we are 3 nil up to take some minutes off Gabriel
Bad, if unsurprising, News. But at least it’s not an ACL. I did wonder if he might be facing a year out.
Obviously thoughts are with KT. But it does shine a light on the importance of buying players with minimal injury history. I remember Kieran was a risk right from day one and missed the opening few months of his Arsenal career with a historic injury. I think we need to remember this when we beg for players like Neto or Frenkie DJ who are clearly made of glass. It doesn’t matter how good you are, you’re no use to us if you can’t stay fit and play 30-40 games a season. Bringing in players like Havertz and Rice has made… Read more »
True, but it’s not always that easy.
Partey’s injury record throughout his whole career, is the opposite of his time at Arsenal.
On another note, just read an email that my season ticket waiting list position, has barely moved😔
fully agree except for the made of glass concept. I think we need to change our perception of football players. The normal player will have some injuries at this top level, and some injuries trigger cascades of further injuries when put through the wringer that is top level football.
I hope we can all realise that the durability that gabriel/rice/kai/ode show is freakish and just as important as their skills! Players like tierney/zinchenko aren’t bad because of their injuries, they just aren’t insanely talented AND able to handle the top level abuse of football
Just to clarify – I don’t think players should ever be villainised for having a poor injury record. I do sometimes feel that sentiment with some of the “ffs, he can’t stay fit” comments. It’s not their fault in any way (unless they play for Man U). But when you have a finite budget and need to make your resources count, you can’t be throwing money down the toilet on players that can’t meet the gruelling demands of top tier football. Tierney (through no fault of his own) will have likely cost us around £50m by the time he leaves.… Read more »
Is this any worse than renewing ultimate legend El Neny for one more year after he got injured?
Felt so bad for the lad. Rotten luck again.
Maybe he needs to have some kind of potassium shake for breakfast, lunch and dinner?
It´s the pickle juice everyone´s raving about these days
Or just a banana.
It’s funny how all the Arsenal players with injury issues are the least problematic and have the most heart (with the exception of Rvp). Diaby, Cazorla, Rosicky, Wilshere, Elneny….
We won’t be able to sell and he’ll eventually leave for free
Surprise surprise
You are a medium channeling Cilla Black and ICMFP!
I can’t imagine we’ll get anything whatsoever for Tierney this year. We couldn’t sell him last season, and now he’s a year older having had another injury-ridden season that ended in yet another hamstring injury. I’d keep him as 3rd/ choice LB/LCB and sell Zinchenko, who also can’t be relied upon to stay fit but at least can probably generate some funds. Hopefully a year of just focusing on his fitness with no expectation of playing will set him up for a revival in the rest of his career, even if that’s elsewhere. Bayern aside, I thought Kiwior was very… Read more »
Is it worth registering him in the side though? Kiwior can do the same job and he’s more versatile and also stays fit
He has no future at Arsenal, sadly. I just hope we can sort out a loan so he can get some football next season.
Scotland should consider sending their manager home from the euros- what a Dinosaur.