Tierney And Høgh Both Out For 4 Months Through Injury

Just when Celtic supporters were beginning to breathe again after the nightmare in Linz, another concern has emerged.

Rumours are swirling that both Kieran Tierney and Kasper Høgh could be facing lengthy spells on the sidelines — potentially up to four months.

At this stage, that four-month timeframe has not been confirmed by Celtic, so it is important not to present it as fact. What we do know is that both players are currently dealing with injuries.

Høgh missed Celtic’s win over Falkirk after picking up a groin problem during the Champions League collapse against LASK. 

Tierney, meanwhile, has also been dealing with a similar issue.

And if the worst-case rumours prove accurate, Celtic suddenly have another enormous problem.

Høgh Was Becoming Important

Høgh’s absence would be particularly frustrating.

The Danish striker had already shown exactly why Celtic spent the money on him.

His hat-trick against Kilmarnock was a huge statement, and he had quickly become one of the most exciting additions of the summer. 

Losing him for an extended period would leave Martin O’Neill relying heavily on Camilo Durán.

And after losing Champions League football, Celtic can ill afford another major blow.

Then There’s Tierney

The Tierney situation is arguably even more concerning.

Celtic have already recognised the lack of depth at left-back.

O’Neill admitted before the LASK second leg that Tierney was essentially Celtic’s only natural senior left-sided full-back and that the defence needed strengthening. 

That’s why the expected arrival of Landon Emenalo is so important.

If Tierney is now potentially facing months rather than weeks out, Emenalo suddenly goes from being useful cover to potentially being Celtic’s starting left-back.

That is a huge responsibility for a teenager.

This Is Why Squad Depth Matters

And this brings us right back to the same conversation Celtic supporters have been having all summer.

You cannot build a squad assuming everybody stays fit.

You need two quality options in every position.

Johnston is already injured.

Tierney could now be facing a significant absence.

Høgh rumoured to be injured.

And suddenly the squad that looked like it had plenty of options starts looking thin again.

That is exactly why Celtic needs to keep strengthening.

The Europa League is still ahead.

The domestic campaign is still in its infancy.

There are cups to play for.

There are European nights to come.

And there will inevitably be more injuries.

If these rumours prove to be exaggerated, we can all breathe a huge sigh of relief.

If they’re accurate, the board has another problem to solve.

Because after everything that happened against LASK, the last thing Celtic need is another reminder that the squad simply isn’t deep enough.

Let’s hope the four-month rumours are just that — rumours.