Kieran Tierney missing for Scotland? Steve Clarke explains decision

Scotland manager Steve Clarke has explained why several key players, including Kieran Tierney, were absent from training ahead of the national side’s latest fixture.

Concerns had grown among supporters after Tierney missed sessions in the build-up to Scotland’s friendly clash, particularly given the Celtic full-back’s well-documented injury struggles in recent years.

The former Arsenal defender, who returned to Celtic last summer after agreeing a pre-contract move earlier in 2025, has seen his career disrupted by recurring fitness setbacks. Since rejoining his boyhood club, however, Tierney has gradually rebuilt his condition, playing an important role in Celtic’s League and Cup Double-winning campaign.

Supporters were left especially anxious after the Scotland international appeared to suffer an ankle knock during Celtic’s recent Scottish Cup final victory, raising fresh fears over his availability.

However, Clarke has now moved to calm concerns, explaining that Tierney’s absence was part of a wider plan to carefully manage players following a demanding domestic season.

The Scotland boss revealed that several senior figures, including Scott McTominay and John McGinn, had been granted extra time off before reporting for international duty to recover physically and mentally after a long campaign.

Speaking ahead of the match, Clarke admitted assembling the squad had been challenging due to staggered arrivals, with some players only joining camp late after club commitments.

He added that preparations would intensify in the coming days as Scotland continue building toward the 2026 World Cup, having secured automatic qualification after topping their group.

Clarke’s update will come as welcome news for Celtic fans, with no indication that Tierney’s absence is linked to any fresh injury concern.

Meanwhile, midfielder Billy Gilmour has reportedly suffered a knee injury, casting doubt over his availability for Scotland’s upcoming World Cup involvement.