Neil Lennon has revealed that Kieran Tierney’s recovery from injury is taking longer than expected.

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - APRIL 14: Kieran Tierney of Celtic applauds the fans at the final whistle during the Scottish Cup Semi Final between Aberdeen and Celtic at Hampden Park on April 14, 2019 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – APRIL 14: Kieran Tierney of Celtic applauds the fans at the final whistle during the Scottish Cup Semi Final between Aberdeen and Celtic at Hampden Park on April 14, 2019 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)

Arsenal are expected to return with a third bid for Kieran Tierney but the player has been out of action since April and had a double hernia operation in May.

Speaking in mid-July, Lennon said, “He’s in the middle of his rehab. He’s just out on the grass at the minute, but he’s still a few weeks away from joining in with the rest of the team. It’s a slow-burner, but we’re pleased with the progress he’s making now.”

Now, he has added, “He’s still injured and he’s rehabbing.

“He had a double hernia and he still has the Osteitis pubis problem so it’s a slow burner that one.

“Kieran started kicking a ball on Wednesday, but he’s still feeling some discomfort there.

“We’ll see how it is when things settle down because it’s a very unsettling time for him at the minute.

“The injury has compounded that frustration because he’s not 100 per cent right.

“I’ve been in his position so I have a lot of sympathy for him, when maybe a lot of people wouldn’t.

“But I know what’s it’s like to have to keep adjusting your mindset if things do go as expected.

“This is where this generation are at a disadvantage because it comes at them from all angles, with social media and people surmising or giving opinions, making up rumours.

“It’s not just the media, it’s every angle — but Kieran’s got a good stable home life to keep him in check.

“I make sure I know how he’s doing and we’re supportive of him whatever happens.”

Reports claim he could now be out up to another two months but that ‘whatever happens’ sounds rather concerning to me. Perhaps I’m just scarred by years of chronically injured Arsenal players. Perhaps there’s something more here.

‘Osteitis pubis’ is an ‘uncommon cause of pain in the groin and pelvis,’ and it occurs ‘when there is inflammation of the pubic symphysis, the joint of the two major pelvic bones at the front of the pelvis.’

Rather worryingly, it is claimed that treatment of this condition can take ‘several months or longer’ before it completely settles down.

“The most important treatment for osteitis pubis is rest,” writes Very Well Health. “Because inflammation is the problem, the body needs the joint to rest in order to heal properly.”

Of course, Arsenal will do a full and comprehensive medical check before they go through with any deal but, as we know, what can look like a two-month injury now can easily turn into something much worse .

Arsenal and Celtic are said to be very close in finding an agreement for the 22-year-old who has missed 31 games since the start of December with hip and groin problems.