Arsenal defender Kieran Tierney has been taken off on a stretcher after a freak injury in the Euro 2024 clash between Scotland and Switzerland.
Starting once again for the Scots, Tierney found himself the wrong side of Swiss striker Dan Ndoye. As he broke toward goal, the 27-year-old overstretched and appeared to damage his left hamstring in the process.
In severe pain, the game was paused before the restart so he could receive treatment. The Arsenal man knew immediately that his night was over though as he signalled for a substitution.
Tierney was carried off the pitch on a stretcher and is likely to now be out for the remainder of the group stages and perhaps the tournament altogether depending on the extent of the injury.
Commentating on the game for BBC Five Live, former Scotland ace Pat Nevin reacted to the horror injury for his compatriot. “I think it had gone just before the jar (into the turf), and that’s why it jarred because he had to straighten out his foot,” he said.
“The thing about Kieran is he gave you that pace, he was covering really well and was reading the play. “His pace looked as good as it had done at any point in his career. Just when he is looking at his best again, Kieran he had just had the most terrible luck with injuries throughout his whole career.”
Tierney spent last season on loan at Real Sociedad where he made 27 appearances for the club. According to reports, the La Liga club are unlikely to be the team to sign the Scotland international this summer but an exit from the Emirates Stadium is still likely.
Despite this, Real Sociedad tweeted: “Get well soon Kieran Tierney,” accompanied with a praying emoji.
Reports earlier on Wednesday suggested that either a permanent or temporary departure is on the table but Newcastle United are not one of the teams thought to be interested. Depending on the extent of the injury, it could scupper any plans Mikel Arteta had to sell the defender.
