Arsenal handed Kieran Tierney injury boost as Scotland boss Steve Clarke reveals left-back was subbed as precaution

ARSENAL have received a boost over Kieran Tierney’s fitness after he went off for Scotland against Ireland with a head injury.

The 25-year-old started in the 2-1 Nations League victory on Saturday at Hampden Park, but was substituted just before the break.

Ironically, the Gunners left-back collided with Tottenham pair Matt Doherty and Troy Parrott which lead to him being taken off in the 42nd minute.

Tierney was caught by Doherty’s shoulder early in the match, before Parrott’s boot made contact with his head, which left him receiving treatment.

And Scotland’s medical team decided to take no chances and deemed him as not fit enough to continue, despite the defender adamant he was OK to play on.

His withdrawal was the last thing Arsenal fans wanted to hear ahead of next week’s North London derby.

But Scotland boss Steve Clarke has delivered positive news over Tierney after stating he was only subbed as a precaution.

Speaking after the match, the ex-West Brom gaffer said: “Kieran was precautionary in the first half.

“He got a knock and the doctor decided to take him off.”

It remains to be seen whether Clarke decides to risk playing Tierney against Ukraine on Tuesday where a point will guarantee top spot for Scotland in Group B1.

HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL

Arsenal fans will be hoping Tierney is rested with Oleksandr Zinchenko a doubt to face Spurs at the Emirates next Saturday.

The Gunners received a blow on Friday when Thomas Partey pulled out of Ghana’s match with Brazil minutes before kick-off with a knee problem.

But it was then announced that he didn’t play as a precaution, with the Ghana FA later confirming that he is returning to Arsenal for further assessment.

A statement read: “Thomas Partey has been granted permission to travel back to London for further assessment after picking up a suspected knee injury on Friday minutes before the international friendly against Brazil.

“The 29-year-old was set to start for the Black Stars but just a few minutes before kick-off, was forced to withdraw after picking up a knock.

“The 29-year old was withdrawn as a precautionary measure and replaced by RCD Mallorca midfielder Baba Idrissu.”

And Mikel Arteta’s side have been boosted with skipper Martin Odegaard starting for Norway against Slovenia on Saturday after missing the 3-0 win against Brentford with a calf injury.

Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk