Positive Kieran Tierney injury update as he’s hopeful of pre-season return

Kieran Tierney is hopeful of being ready for the start of Arsenal’s 2022/23 pre-season after a knee injury cut his 2021/22 campaign short. 

Tierney has struggled with injuries since he joined the club in 2019 and his season-ending issue last time out proved costly as the Gunners missed out on a top-four spot having been in a commanding position while the Scotsman was still fit.

Arsenal lost five of their last ten Premier League games in his absence.

The left-back was eventually forced to undergo knee surgery, but Tierney is hopeful of returning for the start of pre-season in June.

Kieran Tierney details his knee injury & is hopeful of returning for the start of pre-season

Speaking to The Scottish Sun, Tierney detailed how his latest injury setback came about: “We played Wolves at home in February and I felt something in my knee in the first half,” he said.

Tierney started and finished Arsenal’s next four Premier League fixtures after the dramatic 2-1 win over Wolves before he went away with the national team and started both of Scotland’s March fixtures.

The defender said he returned from international duty “completely fine” before his “left knee clicked” during a gym session back at Arsenal.

“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,” he added.

“But the scan result came back and suddenly I’m needing an op. It was so unfortunate.”

Tierney was told he’ll be out of action for three months, but the gritty Scot is determined to return ahead of schedule and be ready for the start of pre-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.

“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,” the left-back confirmed.

Tierney has impressed when he’s been available for the Gunners, but his injury woes are a serious concern. The Scot’s issues could convince the club to add another left-back to their ranks this summer, with Nuno Tavares – Tierney’s second in command – proving a dynamic but erratic option last season.

Still, it’s great to hear that Tierney is on the mend and doing fine. It’d be great to see him enjoy an injury-free 2022/23 season!