Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has explained why he brought Kieran Tierney back in from the cold against Nottingham Forest on Wednedday night.
The left-back, who has agreed a pre-contract to return to Celtic in the summer, came on for the second half of the north London side's goalless draw at the City Ground.
Tierney replaced Riccardo Calafiori at the break, although boss Arteta explained post-match that the substitution was purely because the Italian defender was already on a booking and having a tough time: "I took him [Calafiori] off because he got a yellow in the second minute," he said (Record).
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"He had one or two situations defending Hudson-Odoi and we couldn’t not play again with 10 men."
It was the first time Tierney had played a full half of football for Arsenal since December last year against Crystal Palace.
Due to make an emotional return to Glasgow at the season's end, the 27-year-old will see out his Arsenal contract before reuniting with his old manager, Brendan Rodgers.
The Celtic boss revealed earlier this month that a January Celtic return was never in the works. He said: "It wasn't close.
"I think it was clear, obviously, Kieran is for the summer.
"If that was the possibility, then that was on Arsenal's terms. If it was to happen, then great. But clearly, he was a part of their squad.
"He will be here in the summer."
