With the summer transfer window in the rearview mirror, it is pretty clear that Celtic's premier addition this time around was Kieran Tierney. There was not a ton of excitement around the return though, probably because of a couple of reasons. First, we had known it was going to happen for months. So, it was not a surprise. Second, there are genuine concerns about his fitness, thanks to his extensive injury history.
Tierney had injury problems going back to his first spell at Celtic Park. And they only mounted at Arsenal, and his loan spell at Real Sociedad.
One has to wonder what kind of effect so many injuries have had on his game. There have been glimpses of his quality from time to time, for sure. But also, he just does not seem to be performing at his best right now. Will he ever get back to his peak? That is the question that worries the supporters.
Another worry surrounding Tierney right now is the fact that he has not played the full 90 minutes a single time. Is it load management on the part of the club, or is he simply unable to do so because of the toll injuries have had on him over the years? As reported by 67 Hail Hail, Gordon Dalziel said:
"We are into September, and he struggles to play 90 minutes just now. That’s alarming, not just for Celtic, but for Kieran as well.
“He must be thinking, ‘hold on a minute’, and he has pulled out of the Scotland squad because I don’t think he would have played in any of the games for Scotland. Everybody thought, ‘oh, he would go back to a back five because Tierney would play left centre-back.’
“We watched him against Rangers, he was a mile off it. Absolute mile. That’s what I am saying (he had a full pre-season). I don’t care who you are as a professional football player. You should be up to speed by now. We are in September. If they played next week, he probably wouldn’t last 90 minutes as well.
“Look, we are all fans of Tierney. I think he is a brilliant footballer. I really do. But it’s alarming that you have brought somebody in, and probably big wages as well, and you can’t last 90 minutes."
'That’s alarming' - Celtic sent worrying Kieran Tierney message
It is likely a mixture of both load management and lack of top-level fitness. One has to remember, it is not just about this season. It has been a while since Tierney has played consistent football week in and week out. So, he needs to get back into that rhythm.
Celtic have been careful not to push him and risk another injury. He recently had to pull out of Scotland national team duty, but has been involved in training ahead of the Kilmarnock game, so that is cause for optimism. But it remains to be seen if Brendan Rodgers decides to play him on the Rugby Park surface or not.
All things considered, yes, it has not been a thrilling start to his second stint at Celtic for Tierney. But perhaps it should have been expected.
Let's be honest, if things had gone swimmingly for Tierney since leaving Celtic, he would not be back at Parkhead at 28 years of age. It is just what it is. Now, it is up to the club to get the best out of the player. They have a decent backup option in Marcelo Saracchi and if the Scotsman can produce an hour of top quality, that has to be a positive.