In recent weeks and months, the term ‘Groundhog Day’ has been frequently mentioned on The Celtic Way, both on the site and in the morning briefings, in relation to various aspects of the club.
This phrase typically has a negative connotation, referring to the repetition of the same event in the same way. While this might not fully apply to Kieran Tierney’s post-Celtic career, it does hold some unfortunate validity.
On Friday afternoon, Scotland coach John Carver delivered news that no Scotland, Arsenal, or Celtic supporter wanted to hear: Tierney’s injury was another serious one. Carver said to the media in Germany, “He is heading home to be assessed by Arsenal and that’s all I can really say at the moment. They will give updates as they have it, but he is obviously extremely disappointed.
“If we do progress and move through the tournament, I am sure he will be back to support us. It is a blow because Kieran is one of our top players and, in tournament football, you need your best players on the park. And, in particular with him, he gives that balance down the left-hand side with Andy Robertson and Callum McGregor, and they combine really well.
“So whenever any team loses their best players then it will affect the situation, but also it is an opportunity for somebody else to step in.”
For the former Celtic left-back, this sounds a lot like the aforementioned “Groundhog Day.” Since his £25 million move from his boyhood club to Arsenal in 2019, injuries have unfortunately been the recurring story of Tierney’s career. Even before his transfer, Tierney frequently played through the pain to be on the pitch for Celtic.
A glance at Tierney’s injury record on Transfermarkt.co.uk reveals a stark and troubling picture. The left-back has suffered 17 separate injuries, including three during his loan spell in Spain at Real Sociedad, a move designed to get him more game-time away from London.
The problems seem to have started in Tierney’s final season at Celtic during the 2018/19 campaign, particularly with his hip. He missed over 20 games due to this injury, in addition to calf and groin issues, the latter requiring surgery.
Since then, Tierney has not completed a single season without sustaining an injury. Nowadays, fairly or unfairly, Tierney is associated with injuries rather than his prowess as an outstanding left-back and a fan favourite when fit and available.
What does this mean for Celtic? In recent years, due to his inability to secure a starting spot in North London, Tierney has played a secondary role for Mikel Arteta at Arsenal. This situation was exacerbated by the arrival of Oleksandr Zinchenko from Manchester City. Consequently, rumours of a potential return to Celtic have been swirling, a move that would have been warmly welcomed a few years ago.
However, it is now questionable if this is still the case. Supporters are well aware of the form and injury issues of players who have left, especially when it involves ‘one of their own’. Celtic fans are passionate and well-informed.
The club faces a demanding schedule this season, following last campaign’s rollercoaster ride under the returning Brendan Rodgers. At least eight games in the revamped Champions League are guaranteed, alongside domestic commitments in the Scottish Premiership, League Cup, and Scottish Cup.
Given this, it may be time to abandon any faint hope of Tierney returning to Celtic in a playing capacity. There is now an air of inevitability when he steps on the field that an injury is not far off, even when he manages to string together a series of games.
When Celtic’s former number 63 fell to the ground clutching his leg, fans immediately feared the worst, a concern validated hours later by his international coaches.
Undeniably, Celtic needs a left-back this summer. Greg Taylor, one of Tierney’s initial replacements, has been a commendable first-team player over the past five years.
However, there is a sense that Rodgers will seek an upgrade in this position. With big-money signing Alexandro Bernabei currently on loan in Brazil and seemingly out of the picture, strengthening this area is crucial.
On paper, Tierney would be a significant upgrade. Defensively strong and a threat going forward, a fully fit Tierney would be a revelation in Celtic’s current setup, particularly under his former manager.
However, his injury troubles cannot be ignored, as evidenced most recently at the Euros for Scotland. Moreover, the financial implications of his wages, either on a temporary or permanent basis, must be considered.
Everyone loves a reunion story, especially in football. Yet, for various reasons, a comeback for Tierney is not feasible. It is a pity, but Celtic and Rodgers must prioritise the team’s welfare over any sentimental homecoming involving the unfortunate left-back.
Thus, Celtic’s summer search for an upgrade at left-back continues…