Kieran Tierney has sent a message to the Arsenal fans after he made his long-awaited return to action during Wednesday's 3-2 win over Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup. Mikel Arteta's side progressed through to the semi-final thanks to a hat-trick from Gabriel Jesus at the Emirates Stadium.

Tierney, 27, who last played for the Gunners in the Community Shield against Manchester City in August 2023, was back in an Arsenal shirt for the first time since and started on the left side of the back four. The Scotland international played 69 minutes before being substituted due to "cramp".

Although there were fears over Tierney's condition, Mikel Arteta eased those worries in his post-match press conference and it doesn't look like there is anything to be concerned about. The former Celtic defender also didn't appear to be distressed, going by his comments on social media afterwards.

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In an Instagram post, Tierney said: "Feels amazing to be back out at the Emirates! Thank you so much for the reception… always grateful," alongside a love heart emoji. "Onto the semis," followed by a flexed biceps emoji. Jurrien Timber and Declan Rice were among those to share their love for Tierney, while former Arsenal teammates Emile Smith Rowe and Reiss Nelson also posted messages in the comments section.

Despite returning to the Arsenal first-team picture, his long-term future doesn't seem to be with the north London club. According to the Daily Mail, the Gunners have informed the Scotland international that they don't intend to exercise the option of another year on his contract when his deal expires in June.

It has also been reported that Celtic are keen to re-sign Tierney, five-and-a-half years since he made the switch to Arsenal from Parkhead. The Douglas-born defender is also keen on a return to his boyhood club, though he would have to take a substantial paycut on his current £120,000 per-week wages.

Reacting to Tierney's performance after the win over Palace, Arteta said: "He's playing to his strengths. That's something that we have to continue to learn, because they give you a lot of information.

"They tell you not sometimes with their words but with a lot of information, where they feel more comfortable and certainly there is a much better fit for him."