Kieran Tierney falls into 'vicious circle' before Celtic homecoming as Mikel Arteta escalates humbling Arsenal finale

Celtic-bound Kieran Tierney is stuck in a "vicious circle" of injury problems as he nears the end of his Arsenal career.

That is according to former Gunners' star Philippe Senderos. Celtic confirmed this week that the defender has agreed a pre-contract return to Parkhead with his contract at the Emirates set to expire in the summer - but a deal could not be agreed to bring him back to the club on loan. Reports south of the border suggest that the 27-year-old reached an agreement with Arsenal to remain in North London until the end of his contract rather than make an early return to the Scottish Premiership.

But the Scotland international is behind rising talent Myles Lewis-Skelly in the pecking order with Oleksandr Zinchenko made to watch on as the Arsenal academy graduate battles Riccardo Calafiori for a starting spot. And ex-Rangers man Senderos reckons that concerns over his fitness have led to Mikel Arteta keeping Tierney in reserve - who has not played a single minute of football since the winter window closed.

Speaking to CasinoHawks, Senderos said: "It’s not been easy for Kieran Tierney, he brought a lot of energy but has had a few setbacks with injuries. Once you get into that vicious circle it can be hard to get out of.

"He went on loan and did okay. He still has time in his career and hopefully he can have success with Arsenal because he is a great player."

With Arsenal facing a lengthy injury list, suggestions have been made that boss Arteta could deploy Tierney in an attacking role on the left wing. However, the Spaniard has hinted that the club are looking in the free agent market.

Going into Saturday's clash with Leicester City on Sunday, he said: "We’ll explore every possible situation and make a