Arsenal in talks to get ‘frustrated’ Tierney back after three negative tests

Joe Williams
Kieran Tierney Arsenal

Arsenal are “trying” to get Kieran Tierney back to London after he was forced to sel-isolate on Scotland duty.

The Scottish national team’s preparations were left in disarray after Stuart Armstrong returned a positive test for COVID-19 on Wednesday morning.

The midfielder returned a negative test on arrival at Oriam on Monday but the supplementary UEFA test returned a positive result two days later.


OPINION: Why Partey is not the ‘modern-day Vieira’ at Arsenal


Armstrong will self-isolate for 10 days from the date of the test – Tuesday, 6 October – and will now be unavailable for the game against Israel and the Nations League matches against Slovakia and Czech Republic.

All other members of the squad have returned negative results but due to being close contacts, Arsenal left-back Tierney and Ryan Christie – along with one physiotherapist and one masseur – will require to self-isolate for 14 days as of Tuesday, and will also miss the three matches.

Tierney had been playing video games with Armstrong in a hotel room and Goal reporter Charlie Watts has shed more light on the situation.

Watts said on Twitter “Tierney has had three negative tests in the past week – one with Scotland after Armstrong’s positive test.

“Also understand he has been shown to have current antibodies to to the virus (despite having never shown symptoms). Arsenal trying to get him back to London.”

Watts added in another tweet: “Tierney had been in a hotel room with Armstrong (and Ryan Christie) playing a computer game, but is adamant he maintained social distancing at all times. He’s said to be very frustrated at the situation. Arsenal in regular contact.”

Speaking about the incident himself, Tierney added: “I’m so disappointed and frustrated to be in this situation.

“I have adhered to all regulations and made sure I was socially distancing from my team-mates in the hotel.

“I have also tested negative for Covid and I know that Arsenal and the SFA are now in discussions with the Scottish authorities to gain a further understanding.”