Celtic interim boss Neil Lennon has admitted that he is concerned by Kieran Tierney’s long-term fitness issues.
The left-back has struggled with calf and hip injuries in recent months, and the Hoops boss has claimed that the player could benefit from a long break.
“Ideally, I’d love to shut Kieran down for three months, give him a rest, let him do some conditioning work and stay off the grass” he said, as reported by the Scottish Sun.
“But it’s not an ideal situation at the minute.”
A smart move
It would be a smart move from Lennon to limit Tierney’s game time for the rest of the season. That should start with Wednesday night’s clash with St Mirren.
Emilio Izaguirre is available, and he can fill in at left-back. The Hoops can also afford to give Tierney a break for Saturday’s game against Livingston.
A natural replacement is available
Izaguirre can deputise again, and Jonny Hayes if he is available can do a job at left-back too.
Overall, it is a bit of a concern that Lennon would like to give Tierney three months off. That would put him in danger of missing this summer’s Champions League qualifiers.
However, if that solves Tierney’s injury issues then perhaps it is a risk worth taking. Tierney won’t want to miss any games. But his long-term future comes first.
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