Kieran Tierney’s Celtic return clouded by early exit in Premiership opener

Kieran Tierney’s much-anticipated second debut for Celtic in their Scottish Premiership opener against St. Mirren was overshadowed by concerns after he limped off the pitch. 

The 28-year-old left-back, who rejoined his boyhood club on a free transfer from Arsenal this summer, was substituted with 25 minutes left in the match, raising fears of a potential injury.

Tierney, who departed Celtic for Arsenal six years ago, started in the competitive fixture on Sunday, marking his first official appearance since his return. 

Despite the early exit, manager Brendan Rodgers alleviated concerns about a serious injury, expressing confidence in Tierney’s condition. Rodgers also commended the defender’s assured performance, noting his smooth reintegration into the squad.

The former Arsenal star, whose time in North London was hampered by injuries, had shown promise during Celtic’s pre-season, including a 4-0 win over Newcastle United. 

However, he has yet to complete a full 90 minutes since returning, prompting caution from Celtic’s medical staff. The club is keen to manage Tierney’s fitness carefully to prevent any recurrence of the injury issues that plagued his Arsenal tenure.

Tierney’s return to Celtic has sparked excitement among fans, who hope he can rediscover the form that made him a standout before his £25m move to Arsenal in 2019.

His experience and versatility are expected to strengthen Celtic’s defense as they aim to retain their Scottish Premiership title.

Rodgers will likely monitor Tierney’s condition closely in the coming weeks, prioritizing his long-term fitness.

As Celtic embarks on their 2025/26 campaign, attention will focus on whether Tierney can stay fit and deliver the consistent performances that once made him a fan favorite at Parkhead. 

The club’s cautious approach underscores their commitment to ensuring their returning star’s second chapter is a success.