The Arsenal left-back will not take part in Scotland’s qualifier matches later this month.
The international boss explained: “Kieran has got an ongoing issue that Arsenal are keen to address in the next international break and Arsenal asked us not to select him,” he said.
“It’s a little bit frustrating. It’s obviously frustrating for Kieran as well, but we’ve got good cover in that position.”
With Liverpool’s Andy Robertson available, Scotland are well-stocked on the left flank as Clarke points out, but it is a curious affair given Tierney’s continued inclusion in Unai Emery’s matchday squads.
The Gunners left-back was included in Wednesday’s trip to play Vitoria in the Europa League and even came off the bench.
The summer signing has also started their last two Premier League matches.
Tierney has had his injury problems this year and missed much of last season at Celtic for that reason. Perhaps Arsenal feel like overuse could see him suffer from a flare-up and rule him out of future fixtures.
For some Scotland fans though the issue is hard to stomach, especially after watching him feature in Portugal this evening, just a day after Clarke’s squad announcement.
These supporters have taken to Twitter this week to share their thoughts on it all…
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
