Celtic have been dealt a potential injury blow ahead of Sunday’s Premier Sports Cup semi-final against Rangers, with Kieran Tierney missing entirely from the squad for tonight’s Premiership meeting with Falkirk at Celtic Park.
Tierney, who has only recently returned to full fitness after a stop-start campaign, was expected to feature in Martin O’Neill’s first game back in charge. However, his absence from both the starting lineup and the bench has raised concern that the left-back may have suffered another setback, with Marcelo Saracchi preferred in his place.
The 28-year-old has been a key figure since rejoining Celtic, and his energy, leadership and defensive quality have been badly needed in recent weeks. Having come through his last few appearances unscathed, many expected him to start against Falkirk to build rhythm ahead of Sunday’s derby at Hampden. Instead, O’Neill and Shaun Maloney were forced to reshuffle their defence, with Tierney nowhere to be seen at Celtic Park.
At this stage, there has been no official confirmation from the club regarding the nature or severity of the issue, but sources close to the squad have indicated that his absence was not planned. Given the proximity of the Rangers fixture, fans will be hoping it is only a precaution and not a sign of a more serious problem.
O’Neill’s first week back in the job has already brought plenty of challenges, but losing a player of Tierney’s importance ahead of such a crucial game would be a huge setback.
Soccer Football – Scottish Premiership – Rangers v Celtic – Ibrox, Glasgow, Scotland, Britain – August 31, 2025 Rangers’ Djeidi Gassama in action with Celtic’s Kieran Tierney as Rangers manager Russell Martin looks on Action Images via Reuters/Lee Smith
His presence in big occasions, particularly against Rangers, has always been a defining factor, both in terms of his defensive strength and his influence on the pitch.
Celtic’s new management team will likely provide an update after tonight’s match, but the sight of Tierney missing from the squad altogether will do little to ease growing concern ahead of Sunday’s Hampden showdown. For now, supporters can only hope the decision to leave him out was precautionary rather than forced by injury.
