Celtic are set for a timely Lennoxtown boost today with Christopher Jullien pencilled in for a return to full training, according to the Scottish Sun.
Jullien has been sidelined for the Hoops’ last two matches against Riga and Hibernian respectively due a back injury. However, it doesn’t look as though the injury is going to keep him out for the long term.
The Sun believes that he’s due to come back and train with the rest of the team today, meaning he should be available for Thursday night’s clash against Sarajevo in the Europa League playoff round.
However, that will leave manager Neil Lennon with a massive dilemma ahead of kick-off. Despite the boost of Jullien returning to the fold, he’ll have a big decision to make on whether to drop Nir Bitton.
The Israeli has come in for deserved praise from the support after two terrific performances against Riga and Hibs in Jullien’s absence. It must be tempting for the manager to keep him in place just now.
The Rangers game is closing in
Lennon has to make the call one way or the other, but with Rangers coming up after we face Sarajevo and St Johnstone respectively, there needs to be some consistency across the back-line at the moment.
Chopping and changing in the run-up to the derby does nobody any favours. We also know that Shane Duffy and Kris Ajer won’t be getting dropped anytime soon.
Only yesterday, 67HailHail launched a defence of Bitton and encouraged Lennon to keep him in the team. His performances have deserved that at least, and it wouldn’t send out the right message if Jullien was to just waltz back in.
But it’s hardly inevitable that Bitton keeps his place. Lennon may want to bring Jullien back in order to get him ready for the visit of Steven Gerrard’s men.
You could understand that, but it’s vital we send out the right message to the rest of the squad. If players start impressing after coming into the team then immediately get dropped because the injured player returns, what message does that send?
So it’s going to be an interesting decision over the next few days as to who Lennon plays. However, irrespective of that, it’s great to see Jullien is set for a return.
In other news, Celtic youngster now cannot be allowed to leave after last week’s move.
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