Arsenal issue Kieran Tierney injury update as Mikel Arteta thanks Scotland for handling of defenderArsenal manager Mikel Arteta has praised Scotland for the way Kieran Tierney’s latest injury set-back was handled. The defender was forced off in the first half of last Saturday’s 2-1 UEFA Nations League win over the Republic of Ireland with a head knock. National team boss Steve Clarke later said the Gunners player was taken off as a precaution, and Tierney subsequently returned to his club for treatment instead of travelling to Poland for Tuesday’s goal-less draw with Ukraine. The former Celtic left-back is expected to be involved in the squad for today’s lunch-time derby clash with Tottenham and Arteta was pleased with how Scotland kept Arsenal in the loop over Tierney’s welfare. He said: “What we all want is the best for the player, protect the welfare of the player, have him playing with the right mind set, have the player ready physically to play for their country, to play for their club. “The best way to do it is if there is communication and it’s honest and transparent and with Scotland that’s the case for sure.”

MIKEL ARTETA has hailed Scotland's handling of Kieran Tierney after the defender picked up an injury on international duty.

The former Celtic defender was taken off during the first half of last Saturday’s 2-1 UEFA Nations League victory over the Republic of Ireland after sustaining a head knock.

Following the match manager, Steve Clarke confirmed Tierney was taken off as a precaution, and he returned to the Gunners for treatment.

The left-back is expected to be involved for Arsenal as they take on Tottenham this weekend and Arteta was pleased with how Scotland kept Arsenal in the loop over Tierney’s welfare.

He said: “What we all want is the best for the player, protect the welfare of the player, have him playing with the right mind set, have the player ready physically to play for their country, to play for their club. 

“The best way to do it is if there is communication and it’s honest and transparent and with Scotland that’s the case for sure.”