Tierney’s Hip is a real concern for Brendan Rodgers

KIERAN TIERNEY’s hip problem remains a huge concern for Celtic, manager Brendan Rodgers admitted yesterday. The Celtic star has not featured since playing in the 2-1 defeat to Salzburg in the Europa League a month ago and while he made the bench for the defeat at Ibrox at the end of the month, he was an unused substitute that day.

Tierney has not been training with the squad in Dubai at the winter training camp and there is a real concern that he could need an operation to relieve the problem.

“He’s still not training. But he’s out here with us and with the rehab team so hopefully next week we’ll see if there is any reaction when he starts training.

“His injury record is very good obviously apart from when he’s had breaks and stuff,” the Celtic manager told the media.

“I just don’t think there’s a need to really push him through it and inject it and put him in pain every time. He just needs to take a wee breather.

“He’s in good hands with the medical team and we’ll see how he is next week.”

Rodgers was asked if there was a chance that KT might need an operation and his response will worry the Celtic support this morning.

“I’m not sure. I think we are just monitoring it and we will see how he is.”

Fingers cross then.

Last week we reported that Callum McGregor had played more football this season that any other player in European football, and Tierney wasn’t that far behind. And at the same stage last season, Kieran Tierney topped that European endeavour list.

For such a young player, he has played an awful lot of football. Celtic perhaps need to be careful with our crown jewel of a player?

When you talk about hip injuries, you the think of tennis player Andy Murray and the problems that he has had – effectively his hip op ended his spell at the top of the game and it is highly unlikely that he will ever get back to that level again.

With Rodgers admitting that his activity in the transfer market is not ended with the three new forwards all signing, his attention is now focused on his defence and some additional cover for left back could be a higher priority than it was previously.

Rodgers also gave an update on the two French boys Odsonne Edouard and Olivier Ntcham who have also been carrying injuries.

“Odsonne will join in the training in the latter part of the week,” Brendan said.

The striker was carrying out the striker duties single-handedly over the past few months and wasn’t fit enough to start at either Pittodrie or Ibrox.

“Olivier felt his hamstring tight yesterday in training so he’s going to have a scan on that. I’m not sure it’s serious but he just felt it tightening.

“I think these days everything gets scanned, so we’ll see. It may be something slight but we shall see.”

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About Author

The Celtic Star founder and editor, who has edited numerous Celtic books over the past decade or so including several from Lisbon Lions, Willie Wallace, Tommy Gemmell and Jim Craig. Earliest Celtic memories include a win over East Fife at Celtic Park and the 4-1 League Cup loss to Partick Thistle as a 6 year old. Best game? Easy 4-2, 1979 when Ten Men Won the League. Email editor@thecelticstar.co.uk

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