Kieran Tierney’s Euro 2024 campaign has taken an unfortunate turn as the Arsenal left-back was forced to leave Scotland’s match against Switzerland on a stretcher, potentially ruling him out for the rest of the tournament.
Injury Halts Tierney’s Progress
Tierney had started the game with high hopes, making his second start of the Euro 2024 tournament. However, the match took a painful twist in the 61st minute. As Tierney chased back to defend, he received a push, which caused his knee to hyperextend. Falling awkwardly to the ground, he immediately clutched his hamstring in visible pain. The medical team rushed to his side, and it was clear from the outset that the injury was serious.
After the match, Scotland manager Steve Clarke confirmed that Tierney would not feature in their final group game against Hungary. “Definitely out,” Clarke said, adding, “It looks pretty bad. We have to assess it but Kieran won’t make the next game.” This news is a blow for both Scotland and the player, who had hoped to contribute significantly to the team’s success in the tournament.
A Recurring Issue for Tierney
This is not the first time Tierney has struggled with hamstring injuries. In fact, he has endured two hamstring injuries during the 2023/24 season alone, and the prospect of another setback is a major concern. A hamstring injury at this stage could keep him sidelined for weeks, if not longer, complicating both his tournament and future prospects with Arsenal.
The Gunners have long been faced with the dilemma of Tierney’s injury history affecting his market value. With his current contract running until 2026, the 26-year-old left-back’s long-term future at the club remains uncertain, and this injury will only make things more complicated for Arsenal’s transfer plans.
Impact on Tierney’s Transfer Prospects
Just hours before the injury, reports suggested that both Tierney and Arsenal were eager to explore a permanent transfer during the summer. However, the player’s injury record has made it difficult for Arsenal to command the kind of transfer fee they would like. Following this latest injury, Tierney’s potential for a permanent move may have taken a significant hit.
A loan move, which had seemed a more viable option, now also appears increasingly unlikely. Clubs are wary of committing to a player with such a lengthy injury history, particularly for a long-term loan deal. All Arsenal can do now is wait for the results of Tierney’s medical assessments and hope for the best.
