KIERAN TIERNEY’S long-awaited Arsenal comeback ended abruptly in the London side’s 3-2 Carabao Cup win over Crystal Palace last night.
On the day the former Celtic fans’ favourite was linked once again with a return to the champions, the Scotland international limped off after 69 minutes of his first appearance for the Gunners in 19 months.
Tierney has not been seen since suffering a hamstring injury during Scotland’s 1-1 draw with Switzerland in the Euro Finals in Germany on June 19.
The 27-year-old defender, who spent last season on loan with Real Sociedad, performed well until collapsing on the touchline in front of concerned boss Mikel Arteta.
ALL OVER…Kieran Tierney cuts a sad image as the former Celtic favourite is forced off early during his Arsenal comeback last night.
It was evident Tierney would not be able to continue and he was replaced immediately by Myles Lewis-Kelly in a dramatic encounter that saw Arsenal fight back from a goal down to clinch a semi-final place with a hat-trick from Gabriel Jesus.
The unfortunate conclusion to the former Hoops star’s outing could have been a sad farewell to The Emirates.
Tierney is out of contract at the end of the season and the club, who paid £25million to lure him from Glasgow in the summer of 2019, have announced they will NOT utilise the 12-month option in his terms.
That has sparked tales of a return to his boyhood heroes and the comeback move could be put in motion in next month’s transfer window, according to a report in the Scottish Sun.
Greg Taylor is continuing to stall on signing a new deal at Brendan Rodgers’ club and will be allowed to leave for free at the end of the season.
Alex Valle’s loan from Barcelona expires at the same time, too, and he is due to return to the Catalan giants.
Tierney, capped 47 times, has been mentioned regularly in reports he could be poised for a welcome reunion in the east end of Glasgow, but his six-figure weekly wages have obviously been a massive stumbling block.
However, with no transfer outlay, there could be the possibility of a contract compromise that will suit both parties.
Tierney’s career has stalled in London following a knee injury suffered in March 2022 that prematurely ended his season.
He suffered a relapse during his spell in Spain, but is determined to get back to the level of fitness that saw him replace the popular Emilio Izaguirre at Celtic and go on to become an Invincible during Rodgers’ debut campaign.
Tierney won four successive Premiership titles before Arsneal paid a record £25million to entice him from Parkhead.
Other English top-flight clubs will be monitoring the player’s situation and Newcastle boss Eddie Howe is a known admirer.
Watch this space!
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