Celtic face injury problems after setback at Parkhead

Celtic could be facing another problem at left-back after Kieran Tierney withdrew from the Scotland squad following Sunday’s 1–0 defeat to Rangers.

Tierney started the Glasgow derby at Parkhead but was substituted during the second half. Liam Scales moved to the left side of the defense and finished the match there.

The exact reason for Tierney’s withdrawal has not been confirmed. Celtic have also not revealed how long the defender could be unavailable.

That uncertainty will concern Martin O’Neill, especially with Celtic’s left-back options already limited.

Tierney had been included in Scotland’s squad for the upcoming Nations League fixtures. However, he will now miss the international break while Celtic assess his condition.

The timing will also raise questions. Tierney played the full 90 minutes against Ferencváros in the Europa League on Thursday before starting the derby against Rangers three days later.

His workload has been carefully managed since his return to Celtic, and the club hopes the break gives him enough time to recover.

Celtic also remain without Landon Emenalo, who joined the club on loan from Chelsea earlier this month.

The 19-year-old arrived in Glasgow with a knock picked up during training at Chelsea. He has yet to make his Celtic debut.

O’Neill previously said Emenalo was making “really decent progress”. However, the teenager was not involved against Ferencváros or Rangers.

His absence left Celtic with fewer defensive options on Sunday. Scales covered at left-back, but the reshuffle showed why Celtic will want Tierney and Emenalo back as soon as possible.

No confirmed return date is available for either player.

The international break gives Celtic valuable time to monitor their fitness. The club’s next Premiership fixture is against Motherwell, and O’Neill will hope both players can return to training before then.

Until Celtic provide a clearer update, supporters may have to wait to discover the full extent of Tierney’s problem, and whether his absence will last only a few weeks or become a longer-term concern.