Ex-Celtic star Kieran Tierney handed late Arsenal start just minutes before kick-off

KIERAN TIERNEY has made his injury comeback for Arsenal – after being thrown in for a start just minutes before kick-off.

The ex-Celtic defender has been missing since suffering a knee injury in the 3-0 defeat to Liverpool on April 3.

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Kieran Tierney in action against VillarrealCredit: AFP

It was feared that Tierney, 23, would have to undergo surgery, ruling him out of the Euros.

But the Scotland defender has made a miraculous recovery and returned to the Gunners fold for tonight’s Europa League semi-final against Villarreal.

Boss Mikel Arteta originally named Tierney on the bench but after Granit Xhaka pulled up injured during the warm-up, KT was given the nod to start at left-back.

Steve Clarke will be praying that Tierney comes through the game unscathed after nearly five weeks out of action.

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Arsenal trail La Liga high-flyers Villarreal 2-1 on aggregate after losing the first leg in Spain.

But the North London side have the chance to overturn the score this evening to book their place in the final, which will be held at the Stadion Miejski in Gdansk, Poland.

The winners will almost certainly face Man United on May 26 as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side lead Roma 6-2 on aggregate.

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