Kieran Tierney is on the verge of a massive opportunity ahead of his much-anticipated return to Celtic this summer. With Arsenal facing a defensive crisis, Tierney is in contention to start against Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-final first leg at the Emirates on Tuesday night.
Injuries to Jurrien Timber, Riccardo Calafiori, and Gabriel Martinelli mean Mikel Arteta could turn to the Scotland international to fill the gap at either left-back or even left wing. It’s a chance for Tierney to remind everyone of his quality at the highest level, and no doubt plenty of Celtic fans will be keeping a close eye on his performance against the European champions.
Soccer Football – Carabao Cup – Quarter Final – Arsenal v Crystal Palace – Emirates Stadium, London, Britain – December 18, 2024 Arsenal’s Gabriel Jesus celebrates scoring their first goal with Kieran Tierney REUTERS/Hannah Mckay EDITORIAL USE ONLY. NO USE WITH UNAUTHORIZED AUDIO, VIDEO, DATA, FIXTURE LISTS, CLUB/LEAGUE LOGOS OR ‘LIVE’ SERVICES. ONLINE IN-MATCH USE LIMITED TO 120 IMAGES, NO VIDEO EMULATION. NO USE IN BETTING, GAMES OR SINGLE CLUB/LEAGUE/PLAYER PUBLICATIONS. PLEASE CONTACT YOUR ACCOUNT REPRESENTATIVE FOR FURTHER DETAILS..
Tierney’s return to Celtic has already been sealed, with the 27-year-old set to rejoin the Hoops on a four-year pre-contract agreement in the summer. His move back to Celtic Park has excited supporters, as the Hoops will be welcoming back a Champions League-calibre left-back. With Greg Taylor expected to depart, Tierney will slot straight into Brendan Rodgers’ plans as Celtic look to bolster their squad for both domestic and European football next season.
Arteta has had to manage a raft of injuries this season, with his defensive options particularly lacking in recent weeks. He said: (Arsenal FC), “They are two players in this team that never want to come off. Gabi felt something in his hamstring.
“We don’t know how big that is, and with Jurrien as well, he was already struggling very early in the game. He managed to continue, and at some point he couldn’t, so that’s the downside to it. Jurrien was the knee.”
Soccer Football – Premier League – Wolverhampton Wanderers v Arsenal – Molineux Stadium, Wolverhampton, Britain – January 25, 2025 Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta reacts as Kieran Tierney waits to be substituted on Action Images via Reuters/Jason Cairnduff EDITORIAL USE ONLY. NO USE WITH UNAUTHORIZED AUDIO, VIDEO, DATA, FIXTURE LISTS, CLUB/LEAGUE LOGOS OR ‘LIVE’ SERVICES. ONLINE IN-MATCH USE LIMITED TO 120 IMAGES, NO VIDEO EMULATION. NO USE IN BETTING, GAMES OR SINGLE CLUB/LEAGUE/PLAYER PUBLICATIONS. PLEASE CONTACT YOUR ACCOUNT REPRESENTATIVE FOR FURTHER DETAILS..
With Arsenal looking to go far in the Champions League this season, Tierney’s experience and quality could prove vital against Madrid. While his time in North London has been hampered by injuries and falling out of favour under Arteta, this could be the perfect way for him to bow out on a high before his return to Celtic Park.
For Celtic fans, watching Tierney take on the likes of Vinícius Júnior and Jude Bellingham will provide an interesting insight into what he will bring next season. If Tierney puts in a strong performance, it will only heighten the excitement for his second stint in the green and white hoops.