Celtic midfielder Ryan Christie has backed former teammate kieran Tierney to make a recovery from a shoulder injury as soon as possible.
The summer signing sustained a dislocated shoulder in the first half of the 3-1 win over West Ham United. He has since undergone surgery to fix the problem and faces up to three months on the sidelines.
It was only the Scotsman's fifth Premier League appearance in an Arsenal shirt following a groin injury delayed his start to the season after completing his move to the Emirates Stadium.
Tierney played with Christie at Celtic Park, and the midfielder has spoken about Tierney's injury.
"I sympathise with him on the injury problems. He went down to Arsenal, got himself back fit and was looking good after playing a few games. Then he goes and does his shoulder," he told the Daily Record.
“It’s a nightmare for him but he’s one of strongest characters mentally I’ve ever met.
“I was watching the Arsenal-West Ham game when it happened. I sent him a text straight away to see if he was all right.
“He got back to me saying it was quite bad and that he might need surgery. I’m gutted for him. He’s had shoulder problems in the past – and now it’s the other side.
“I have no doubt he’ll bounce back but it’s tough, especially in that situation where you’ve just moved to a new club and you’re trying to impose yourself and show what you can do."
Arsenal are close to appointing Mikel Arteta as Unai Emery's replacement and Christie has said that Tierney can use his experience of coming through the ranks of Celtic, to impress the new manager.
“Whoever the manager is when KT comes back, he’ll show him what he can do. It comes from his mentality and fighting spirit. He had that when he was coming through here at Celtic as a young boy," he added.
“He has shown that spirit throughout his career and I’m sure he’ll be desperate to get back as soon as possible.
“It would be great to have him available for Scotland. The quality of player he is, you want him available for those huge games in March.”
