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Scotland Kieran Tierney Set To Miss Rest Of Euro 2024 With Hamstring Injury
Scotland defender, Kieran Tierney, will return to Arsenal for treatment of a hamstring injury after being ruled out for the remainder of his country’s EURO 2024 campaign.
Tierney had to be taken off on a stretcher during Scotland’s 1-1 draw with Switzerland on Wednesday, a result that has kept their chances alive for advancing to the last 16.
“He’s got an issue with his hamstring,” Scotland assistant coach John Carver told reporters on Friday. “He’s heading home to be assessed by Arsenal and that’s all I can say at the moment.”
“They’ll give you updates as they have it, but he’s extremely disappointed.”
Scotland has never progressed to the knockout stage in a major tournament, but they have the opportunity to do so if they defeat Hungary in their final Group A match in Stuttgart on Sunday.
This would put them on four points, ensuring at least a third-place finish. Historically, four points have always been sufficient to secure a spot in the last 16 under the current European Championship format.
“If we do progress and we move through the tournament, I’m sure he’ll be back to support us,” Carver said of Tierney, whose absence could prompt Scotland to change to a back four against Hungary. “He’s a young lad, he’s got plenty of time and he’s got to make sure it’s right for his return.”
Tierney spent the past season on loan at Spanish club Real Sociedad but was limited to 14 starts in La Liga because of hamstring problems.
“It’s a blow because he’s one of our top players. In tournament football you need your best players in the park,” said Carver.
“When any team loses their best players then it will affect the situation, but it is also an opportunity for somebody else to step in.”