Medical insider: Arsenal forced to roll out ‘enhanced care protocol’ after Kieran Tierney latest
Arsenal star Kieran Tierney is undergoing an “enhanced care protocol” following his concussion on international duty – but he is likely to be passed fit for the North London derby on Saturday (1 September).
That is the view of medical expert Ben Dinnery, who runs the Premier Injuries site and has a background in injury and data analysis.
Tierney, 25, missed Scotland’s promotion-sealing 0-0 draw with Ukraine in the Nations League on Tuesday (24 September).
The left-back was forced off before half-time in the 2-1 win over the Republic of Ireland the previous Saturday after he sustained a head injury in a collision with Tottenham youngster Matt Doherty.
As quoted by The Sun after the clash, Scotland boss Steve Clarke explained that Tierney’s withdrawal had been as a “precaution.”
Arsenal announced on Wednesday (25 September) that the player had returned to the club but did not confirm whether or not he had suffered a concussion.
Dinnery insisted that the Gunners will be following head injury guidance to the letter of the law, and that will see Tierney return before the meeting with Spurs.
“The enhanced care protocol could mean a timely return to play for that North London derby,” he told Football Insider’s Adam Williams.
“It was a precautionary withdrawal but subsequent evaluation indicates that there is probably a concussion or concerns of a concussion there.
“I think the fact that he was omitted from the game against Ukraine further shows that.
“But as long as he comes through each stage of that protocol symptom-free then he will be fine for that North London derby.“
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