Kieran Tierney has spoken of his personal frustration after a knee injury ended his season early, leaving him unable to contribute to our ultimately unsuccessful push for a Champions League place.
However, he says that with the help of the Arsenal medical staff, he’s working hard on his comeback and expects to be available for pre-season and the new campaign.
Referencing the injury, which he first felt playing for us and which became a major problem after two internationals in March, he told The Scottish S*n, “We played Wolves at home in February and I felt something in my knee in the first half.
“I told the physios and we tested it, but it was fine and it also wasn’t that sore.
“I carried on playing for Arsenal, then reported for Scotland duty and played twice with no problems. I came back completely fine. Then I was doing some leg exercises in the gym and my left knee clicked.
“I instinctively felt it wasn’t right and that I should probably go for a scan. I wasn’t in any great pain. I’d played for Arsenal and we’d been winning, then for Scotland I got a goal and an assist. So there had been nothing to worry about after that Wolves match.
“But the scan result came back and suddenly I’m needing an op. It was so unfortunate.
“The verdict was 12 weeks — and it was gutting when I realised the games I’d miss for Arsenal and Scotland.”
He was definitely missed during that period, but thankfully it looks as if he’ll be ready and able to start the new season.
“Whenever I have been given a timeframe for recovery I’ve always aimed to get back earlier,” he said. “I push myself as hard as I can, it’s the only way I know.
“I’m a terrible spectator. Not being able to do anything to help the team, I hate it. My target is to be back for the end of June and the start of pre-season at Arsenal. I’m on course for that. My rehab’s going well.
“And I can’t give the Arsenal sports science, fitness and medical staff enough credit. They are absolutely top notch. I couldn’t wish for a better support set-up here.
“Mentally and physically, the club provides every possible back-up for the players.”
It’s the second successive season where an ill-timed injury has seen the 25 year old miss out at a key moment, so let’s hope he can make it third time lucky next time around as we look to improve on the progress we’ve made.
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