The last thing Celtic need right now is an injury. Alistair Johnston is already ruled out for the next few months and while there were rumours that they could bring in another right-back before the summer window closed, they did not. That will not come as a surprise to anybody, considering the club did not even replace Adam Idah despite sanctioning his exit to Swansea City on deadline day.
Anyways, there seem to be more injury problems at Celtic at the moment. Both Kieran Tierney and Anthony Ralston pulled out of Scotland duty for his international break.
Tierney's injury could be particularly worrying, considering his extensive history of fitness issues. The Hoops did bring in a backup option in the form of Marcelo Saracchi, on loan from Boca Juniors. But there is no doubt who the starter is for Celtic.
There is an update on the extent and nature of Tierney's injury. It comes from none other than Andy Robertson and it is somewhat of a positive one. As reported by the Daily Record, the Scotland national team captain said:
"It’s great to see him back for Celtic playing every week. The next step for KT is to play 90 minutes and he knows that.
“He’s getting closer. This is a contact injury so it’s not like he’s had a setback.
“He’s just been in Kazakhstan and played in an Old Firm game - and we know how tasty those games are.
“The timing is unfortunate but it won’t set him back for too long and hopefully in October he’ll be back in a Scotland jersey."
Extent of Celtic starter's injury revealed and when he could return
While that does not tell exactly when Tierney will return, it does come confirm that it is not a serious one and he should be back on the pitch pretty soon. Let's see what the future holds for him.
At the same time, it is also safe to say that Celtic need to take it carefully when it comes to someone like Tierney. He has had an extensive injury history and you do not want to push him, and risk a long-term issue.
Fortunately, the club have been doing that. Tierney has not played the entire 90 minutes in any of the games so far this season. And while that might frustrate some, if it keeps him fit, then that is the way to go.